Kewanda Slaughter, 31, of Gary, has been charged after police said a 4-month-old infant died from accidental asphyxiation inside a residence in the 1400 block of East 50th Place in Gary, according to court documents filed in Lake County.
According to a probable cause affidavit, detectives with the Lake County Prosecutor’s Homicide Task Force were called to the residence at approximately 9 a.m. May 16 after reports of an unresponsive infant. When officers arrived, investigators said the scene had already been secured and medics had attempted lifesaving measures on the child inside a bedroom of the home.
Court records state detectives observed the deceased infant lying on the floor of the bedroom after emergency personnel had rendered aid.
Investigators allege the infant’s father told police he was at work when he received a phone call from Slaughter stating their 4-month-old child was unresponsive and had blue lips. According to the affidavit, the father told investigators he had already found the infant underneath Slaughter the previous evening before leaving for work and moved the baby because the child was still alive at that time.
The affidavit states the father told detectives the two argued after that earlier incident because he had repeatedly warned Slaughter not to drink alcohol and fall asleep on top of the baby. Investigators allege the father stated he constantly reminded her not to consume alcohol and sleep with the infant.
According to court documents, Slaughter allegedly admitted she had been drinking alcohol while working on a homework assignment before passing out in bed with the infant. Detectives said she told investigators she later woke up and discovered the child underneath her and unresponsive.
A detective with the Lake County Prosecutor’s Homicide Task Force also allegedly overheard Slaughter state she fell asleep with the infant around 3 a.m., woke around 4 a.m. and observed the child alive and breathing, before waking again around 8 a.m. and realizing the baby was no longer breathing.
The affidavit further states Slaughter allegedly made repeated remarks about killing herself following the incident.
Investigators reported locating multiple alcohol containers inside the residence, including containers allegedly found inside the bedroom near the bed where the incident occurred. One officer allegedly observed an alcohol container on the bed while tending to the infant and reported Slaughter removed it after police arrived.
Court documents also state investigators did not locate a crib, bassinet or any dedicated sleeping arrangement for the infant anywhere inside the home.
According to investigators, Slaughter later consented to a portable breath test, which allegedly showed a .103 BAC. Detectives also reported they could smell alcohol emitting from her person during the investigation.
Police later obtained a search warrant for a blood draw at a hospital, with results still pending at the time the affidavit was filed.
According to court records, Slaughter and the infant’s father allegedly began arguing while police escorted her to a squad vehicle. Investigators allege the father yelled, “you killed my baby,” while Slaughter allegedly responded, “I drink because you’re broke.”
The affidavit further alleges Slaughter later stated, “I’m wrong” and “I f***ed up” while being transported to the hospital.
Police also reviewed responding officers’ body camera footage, which investigators said corroborated witness statements and officer reports collected during the investigation. According to the affidavit, body camera footage allegedly captured the infant’s father telling Slaughter, “this is not your first time doing it,” while accusing her of repeatedly getting drunk and sleeping on top of the child.
During a later interview, investigators said the father confirmed Slaughter had previously fallen asleep on top of the infant at least once before.
The affidavit states the father told investigators the couple did not own a crib because they “didn’t want their baby enslaved.”
According to the Lake County Coroner’s Office, an autopsy later determined the infant’s death was accidental due to asphyxiation.
Court records indicate Slaughter requested an attorney when detectives attempted to conduct a formal interview with her.
Charges filed May 19, 2026:
- Neglect of a Dependent Resulting in Catastrophic Injury — Level 1 Felony
- Neglect of a Dependent Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury — Level 3 Felony
- Neglect of a Dependent Resulting in Bodily Injury — Level 5 Felony
- Neglect of a Dependent — Level 6 Felony
