The family of Haddix Mulkey were left devastated when their little boy died suddenly while in the care of his babysitter last month. Now, three weeks on, police believe they finally have some answers.
Lori Conley, an unregistered child-care worker, has been charged with murder after a toxicology report revealed the eight-month-old had been given a fatal dose of anti-allergy medication, reports ABC News (USA).
According to a police statement, emergency services were called to Conley’s home on May 13 due to reports of an unresponsive infant. Haddix was rushed to Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, but despite desperate attempts to revive him en-route, he was pronounced dead.
Conley reportedly told detectives she had given the little boy an adult dose of Benadryl to help him sleep, without the knowledge or consent of his parents.
It’s believed she was looking after eight children at the time of the alleged murder.
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Haddix's mother, Katie Mulkey, said she is in "shock" over the allegations.
"I want people know the good things about my son," she told ABC News (USA). "That he loved ice cream and that he had just gotten his first tooth."
"Parents are supposed to go before their children. My baby went too early."
Conley has been charged with murder and child endangering. She was arraigned and her bond set at US$750,000.