St. Petersburg

Newborn Smothered by Sleeping Mother: Police

Detectives say a one-month old baby was accidentally smothered by her mother at their home near St. Petersburg.

The Tampa Bay Times reports 35-year-old Nafisa Doctor Gibbons told authorities she fell asleep early Thursday after bringing her crying daughter Chloe to bed with her. But when she woke up some two hours later, the child was unresponsive.

The infant died Sunday at All Children's Hospital in St. Petersburg after being taken off life support.

Deputies found no evidence of child abuse and said drugs didn't appear to play a role in the death even though the mother has a history of abusing drugs. An investigation continues.

Officials say the child was born with cocaine in her system and spent time in neonatal intensive care because of drug withdrawal.

Copyright The Associated Press
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