A woman in Alabama faces the death penalty after allegedly beating her infant son to death in a case described by authorities as filled with “horror.” Morgan Thornton, 35, was initially charged with aggravated child abuse after deputies from the Limestone County Sheriff’s Office found her infant son severely beaten. However, after the child died from his injuries, the charge was upgraded to capital murder.
The incident occurred on the 15000 block of Estate Drive in Athens in the early hours of Friday morning. Deputies responded to a “medical call involving an infant” shortly after midnight. Upon arrival, they found the child with “no signs of life.” First responders were able to revive the baby, but despite their efforts, the child was later declared deceased at the hospital.
It didn’t take long for investigators to identify Thornton as the suspect. Authorities quickly determined that she was responsible for the fatal injuries. Thornton was arrested on Friday, and law enforcement noted that she appeared to be intoxicated at the time of her arrest. A blood sample was taken from her.
During her bond hearing, Thornton appeared confused about the charges. When the judge told her that she was being charged with the death of her son, she reportedly responded, “I don’t understand.” She was denied bond.
In an interview with Huntsville-based NBC affiliate WAFF, Thornton was asked if she remembered anything from the night in question. She reportedly said, “I put my son to bed. I swaddled him and put him to bed at 7 o’clock, and then something happened.” When asked if she remembered anything after that, Thornton replied, “Tried to give him CPR. That’s all.”
A neighbor, cited by the TV station, expressed disbelief over the allegations against Thornton, and the Limestone County Sheriff shared his sorrow over the tragedy. “Please keep this family and everyone who responded to this heartbreaking scene in your prayers,” said Sheriff Joshua McLaughlin.
“While the outcome is devastating, I’m incredibly proud of our deputies, firefighters, EMTs, hospital staff, and DHR workers who did absolutely everything in their power to save this innocent child. Their dedication and compassion in the face of such horror reflect the very best of public service.”
Thornton is scheduled for her next court appearance on Tuesday. In Alabama, capital murder convictions may be punishable by death.
