Parents of Dead Baby Choose Prayer over Calling 911

WELLS — Cherokee County officials are investigating the death of an infant whose parents chose to pray over the baby prior to calling 911. Around 4:00 Sunday morning, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office received a call in reference to the death of a 3-day-old infant. The caller told dispatchers that the child was born on Wednesday and had passed away around 1:00 Saturday afternoon. The caller admitted to praying over the child before calling for help 15 hours later.

Deputies, emergency crews and investigators responded to the Wells Manor Apartments on Wright Patman Drive and found the infant in a bassinet next to the bed in the master bedroom of the apartment. The mother, father and several adults, who identified themselves as elders of the church with whom the parents are members, were present and cooperated with detectives when they arrived. The identities of the family members and witnesses are not being released at this time. Justice of the Peace Precinct 4 Vera Foreman pronounced the infant at the scene and ordered and autopsy. Authorities say no other information can be released at this time due to the ongoing investigation.