Cocaine in Breast Milk Allegedly Kills Baby

(West Branch, Michigan) A 23-year-old woman, Sara Shelby, was arrested and charged with manslaughter in the death of her 5-month-old baby. Prosecutors say Shelby fed the baby breast milk contaminated with cocaine.

From The Bay City Times:

A medical expert for the prosecution has concluded that the baby died from ingesting cocaine. Prosecutors allege that Shelby used cocaine during the time she was breast-feeding and the drug was passed on through her breast milk.

Shelby also faces abuse and neglect charges regarding a 2-year-old child. A trial date of July 11 has been scheduled in that case.

If convicted of the involuntary manslaughter charge, Shelby faces a possible 15 years in prison. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 25. In the meantime, Shelby is free on bond.