Tragedy strikes: Baby placed in oven instead of crib dies in Kansas City

In Missouri, a devastating event unfolded as an infant tragically lost her life on Friday (Feb 9) when her mother mistakenly placed her inside an oven for a nap, as reported by the Associated Press.

Mariah Thomas of Kansas City, the mother in question, is charged with a “Class A felony of endangering the welfare of a child in the 1st degree, death of a child,” as stated by a prosecutor on Saturday (Feb 10).

The tragic incident unfolded on Friday afternoon when law enforcement responded to a distress call regarding a one-month-old infant who was unresponsive at a residence near 41st Street and Forest Avenue. Upon arrival, emergency responders confirmed the baby was already dead.

Detectives launched an investigation into the child’s death, deeming the circumstances suspicious.

Upon initial assessment, first responders observed burns on the infant. Mariah Thomas disclosed to authorities that she intended to put the child down for a nap but mistakenly placed her in the oven instead of the crib.

However, details regarding how this mistake occurred were not provided in the statement. At this juncture, it remains uncertain whether Thomas has legal representation.

Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office is currently overseeing the probe and looking at the possible angle of Thomas killing the baby knowingly, “We acknowledge the gruesome nature of this tragedy and our hearts are weighted by the loss of this precious life,” Jackson county prosecuting attorney Jean Peters Baker said in a statement.

“We trust the criminal justice system to respond appropriately to these awful circumstances,” he added