PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, Md. — A Maryland father is being charged in connection with the death of his infant daughter.
Joseph Barrett, 27, of Takoma Park, was arrested on Wednesday and charged with second-degree murder, manslaughter, and child neglect of his 4-month-old daughter, Jaliyah Thompson.
On January 6, officers were called to a motel in the 9400 block of Largo Drive West for reports of an unresponsive baby. They arrived at the motel at 6:20 a.m. and transported Jaliyah to a nearby hospital.
Medical staff pronounced Jaliyah dead shortly after arriving at the hospital.
On Monday, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner ruled Jaliyah’s death a homicide, citing her death as a drug-related overdose.
During a preliminary investigation, it was revealed that Barrett was in the sole care and custody of Jaliyah when she became unresponsive. Barrett admitted to taking “Molly” while watching and feeding the baby. The investigation did not reveal how she ingested the drugs.
Police are asking anyone with information related to the investigation to call detectives at 301-516-2512.
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