THPD: Woman arrested after baby dies from severe dehydration

ICN file photo

By Lucy Perry 
Indiana Central News

A local woman was arrested yesterday after allegedly neglecting her baby to the point of  causing its death.

Smith/Vigo Co. Jail

Tabetha L. Smith, 38, of Terre Haute, was booked into the Vigo County Jail  around 1:30 p.m. She is charged with neglect of a dependent resulting in death. She was taken into custody following a month-long Terre Haute Police Department investigation.

The infant  required  a feeding tube --  and Smith allegedly did not follow through with necessary feedings, according to autopsy results provided to THPD investigators from the Vigo County Coroner's Office on Tuesday.

"The cause of death was severe dehydration, with a manner of death listed as homicide," Assistant Chief Shawn Keen said.

THPD officers were called to Regional Hospital regarding the death of the 3-month-old  infant boy the evening of March 12.  

The infant reportedly had been transported to by ambulance from 2940 Ijams Drive for breathing difficulty.  Keen explained that, despite efforts to treat the  infant, he died at the hospital.  

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