A tragic incident in Clovis, New Mexico, has led to the arrest of 35-year-old Jared White after his 5-month-old baby boy was found dead over the weekend. White is facing serious charges, including child abuse resulting in death and abandonment of a child resulting in death.
Death of the Infant
The Clovis Police Department responded to a call on Sunday afternoon just after 2 p.m. about a 5-month-old infant who was not breathing. The child was rushed to Plains Regional Medical Center but was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
While initial attempts were made to save the infant, police became concerned after certain details raised suspicions about the circumstances of the death.
White reportedly told investigators that he had found his son in a tipped-over bouncer after spending about an hour at a friend’s house. However, police say the timeline and the state of the child’s body did not match White’s narrative.
The infant was already in full rigor mortis by the time paramedics arrived, indicating that he had died several hours before White discovered him.
Investigating the Cause of Death
The investigation quickly took a disturbing turn when police found marks on the infant’s body that suggested strangulation. White’s initial statement about the child’s death was inconsistent with evidence at the scene.
Further investigation revealed that a witness, a friend of White, had initially supported his story but later changed her statement, claiming to have seen White strangling the baby several hours before making the emergency call.
The friend reported that around 1 a.m., she had observed White wrapping the baby in a blanket and lifting him into the air by the neck, allegedly strangling him. The friend also mentioned being afraid of White and not intervening at the time.
Evidence of Neglect and Poor Living Conditions
In addition to the infant’s death, police discovered a home in extremely poor condition. Drug paraphernalia was found throughout the house, along with dog feces and unsanitary living conditions.
One bedroom contained a dirty mattress and a baby bottle with a cockroach inside. A second child was found in the residence, showing signs of neglect, including diaper rash, and was taken into protective custody.
The house was described by law enforcement as unsanitary and posing a potential health risk, further contributing to the charges against White. Police also noted that White seemed emotionally unstable, sometimes appearing fine and then breaking down into tears or outbursts.
Arrest and Charges
Jared White has been arrested and is currently being held without bond at the Curry County Detention Center. He faces charges of child abuse resulting in death and abandonment of a child resulting in death. Law enforcement is continuing the investigation, and it’s likely that White will face additional charges as more details emerge.
This devastating case highlights the tragic consequences of child abuse and neglect. Jared White’s actions have led to the death of his young son, and authorities are continuing to investigate the full extent of the abuse.
The second child is now in protective custody, and White will face the legal consequences of his actions as the case moves forward.
