KANSAS CITY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating the death of a baby who died when her mother mistakenly put her down for a nap in an oven, according to Jackson County District Attorney Jean Peters Baker.
Mariah Thomas, 26, Kansas City, was charged Saturday with endangering the welfare of a child.
Just after 1:30p.m. Friday, police were dispatched to a home at 41st and Forest in Kansas City on a medical call regarding an infant not breathing, according to KCPD Captain Jacob Becchina.
Officers and EMS were led into a residence there where they were directed to a baby that was unresponsive. A probable cause statement said responders found the child with apparent burns.
EMS rendered aid and ultimately declared the baby deceased at the scene.
The statement said responders were told by a witness that the mother “put the child down for a nap and accidentally placed her in the oven instead of the crib."
The statement did not offer an explanation about how that mistake was made.
Baker said, "We appreciate all first responders who worked this scene and the prosecutors who went to the scene in order to issue these charges. We acknowledge the gruesome nature of this tragedy and our hearts are weighted by the loss of this precious life."