Indiana – In a harrowing case of neglect in Indiana, a 34-year-old mother, identified as T. Cavanaugh, has been sentenced to 16 years in connection with the 2016 death of her 4-month-old daughter. On September 3, 2024, Cavanaugh pleaded guilty to neglect of a dependent resulting in serious bodily injury, a Level 3 felony. The charge stemmed from her taking drugs and then subjecting her baby to unsafe sleep practices, including co-sleeping in the same bed while under the influence.
On June 6, 2016, officers were dispatched to Cavanaugh’s home after receiving a call about an unresponsive infant. Upon arrival, officers found Cavanaugh kneeling on the living room floor next to her baby, who was lying unresponsive. She was crying hysterically and attempting to perform CPR. Officers took over resuscitation efforts until emergency medical services arrived. The infant was rushed to the hospital. Despite continued life-saving measures, the baby was pronounced dead at 10:11 a.m. While inside the residence, officers detected the odor of burnt mari-uana and noticed that Cavanaugh appeared intoxicated—she had unsteady balance, slurred speech, and poor coordination. When questioned, Cavanaugh admitted that she had woken up earlier to breastfeed her daughter and had fallen asleep with the baby beside her. Upon waking, she found her child face down next to her.
A brief investigation at the scene revealed concerning details. Cavanaugh told a family member, “I know what happened, I shouldn’t have taken my Norco.” A saliva drug screen administered by the Department of Child Services tested positive for Hydrocodone, Diazepam, Nordiazepam, and Oxycodone. A legal blood draw confirmed the presence of Hydrocodone and Nordiazepam in her system. A search of the residence uncovered multiple prescription medications, including empty bottles and pills without a current prescription. Investigators found that Cavanaugh had a history of co-sleeping with her children despite previous warnings and interventions from child welfare authorities.
In January 2015, a Department of Child Services case manager found Cavanaugh co-sleeping with her then 2-month-old child. She acknowledged being “really bad” about co-sleeping but said she “understands why it is risky.” A drug screen at that time was positive for Xanax, Marijuana, and Cocaine, leading to the removal of the child from her care. When her daughter was born in February 2016, hospital staff provided extensive education on safe sleep practices. Cavanaugh signed documents acknowledging the dangers of co-sleeping, but staff still found her sleeping with the infant in her hospital bed, prompting further warnings.
On September 18, 2024, Judge D. Mawhorr sentenced Cavanaugh to 16 years, with 14 years to be served in the Indiana Department of Corrections and 2 years suspended on supervised probation. She received credit for time served, leaving approximately nine years remaining on her sentence. During the sentencing hearing, Cavanaugh referred to herself as a “super mom.” Judge Mawhorr quickly challenged this claim, responding, “I am not so sure about that.”
Prosecuting Attorney E. Hoffman commented on the case: “This case is a prime example of a needless death of an infant due to unsafe sleep practices. Parents and caregivers must follow the ABC’s of safe sleep. Infants should always sleep Alone, on their Backs, and in a safe Crib. Contrary to the belief of some, sleeping in an adult bed with your infant or engaging in other unsafe sleep practices is, by definition, child neglect.”
Cavanaugh had initially been charged in July 2017 but was not held in jail the entire time awaiting trial. She made bail and was at one point on the run after skipping a scheduled sentencing hearing in September 2020. She was rearrested and remained in custody until her plea. This tragic case underscores the importance of safe sleep practices for infants and the devastating consequences that can result from neglect. Authorities continue to urge parents and caregivers to adhere strictly to guidelines to prevent such heartbreaking outcomes.
