Mother, boyfriend arrested in 3-month-old's death
NEWNAN, Ga. - A mother and her boyfriend were arrested this week for the death of a 3-month-old boy
The Coweta County Medical Examiner identified the child as Cassius Norris.
The coroner believes the child died around 4 a.m. that morning, and the cause of death was suffocation from not being able to lift his head from the plush pillow.
"The mother and boyfriend were aware of the dangers that having a pillow in the crib and placing the baby on his stomach could cause, prior to the death," Deputy Chief Cooper said.
On Monday, police arrested the baby's mother, 23-year-old Elizabeth Norris, and her boyfriend, 30-year-old Adam Brady. They've both been charged with second-degree murder.
"We have proof that Norris and Brady were well aware of the dangers of putting a child face down in a crib," Deputy Chief Cooper said. "We can't release the proof we have because this is an active investigation but we are working with DFACS and know they were told multiple times about the risks. They had a total disregard for this child's life and their neglect caused his death."
Norris and Brody were taken to the Coweta County Jail, and are awaiting a bond hearing.
"We want this to be a message to parents that if we can prove that you knew what the dangers were and you chose to put your baby face down anyways, then you will be facing serious charges," Deputy Chief Cooper said.
FOX 5 News spoke exclusively with Norris' mother and grandmother Tuesday afternoon.
"I really don't know what to say because I wasn't there, but I can't imagine my daughter intentionally doing this," Tresia Norris said.
With tears in her eyes, Tresia Norris said she's talked to her daughter while she's been in jail.
"She seems really sad and she says she didn't do it and none of us were there, so we really can't say what happened," Tresia Norris said. "I believe my daughter."
The family told FOX 5 the child's funeral is set for Wednesday.
"I had to plan his funeral and his mom won't even be there," Tresia Norris said.
Norris' grandmother said she is disturbed by what happened.
"I found out DFACS had been over there multiple times and Elizabeth was warned about putting the face down, " Brenda Lowe said. "I wish I knew about that before."
Lowe said she believes her granddaughter is innocent.