3 People Arrested, Baby Dies After Being Wrapped in Wet Blanket, Placed in Front of A/C
Three individuals have been arrested in connection with the tragic death of a three-month-old infant, Josiah Noel Seright, who succumbed to hypothermia after being wrapped in a wet blanket and placed in front of an AC unit. The incident occurred early on Aug. 6 at a Budget Inn hotel in Augusta, Georgia.
According to WLBT, young Josiah was discovered unresponsive at the hotel, and despite efforts to revive him, he was pronounced dead at 2:30 a.m. at a nearby hospital. The circumstances surrounding his death have shocked the community and raised concerns about the lack of knowledge some parents may have regarding safe practices for infant care.
Authorities have charged three individuals in connection with Josiah’s death. The baby’s mother, 19-year-old September De’Asia Seright, along with 42-year-old Diane Lamish Seright and 39-year-old Antonio Bennie Nash, face charges of felony murder and second-degree child cruelty. The charges underscore the severity of the negligence that allegedly led to the infant’s death.
According to the arrest warrants, Josiah had been placed in his car seat in the hotel bathroom while his mother took a shower. Afterward, he was wrapped in a wet blanket and positioned in front of an air conditioner set at 61 degrees Fahrenheit. While Josiah was exposed to the cold air, September Seright was reportedly lying on a couch, and the other two suspects were in bed, oblivious to the baby’s danger.
Each year, thousands of infants die due to preventable causes, many of which are related to unsafe sleeping environments, improper temperature regulation, and general neglect. These deaths highlight the critical need for increased awareness and education on how to protect the most vulnerable members of society.
As the investigation into Josiah’s death continues, it serves as a stark warning about the dangers of negligence and the heartbreaking consequences it can have on innocent lives. The case also emphasizes the need for communities to support new parents with the resources and knowledge necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of their children.
Source: Black News
Prior to going to graduate school, I worked in public health with the WIC program and did home visits to check on pregnant women and newborns. It’s surprising how little people understand how to take care of an infant. More training may have been beneficial to keep this sad situation from happening. I dk the circumstances but I do know there needs to be training and support for new parents and caregivers. Truly sad!