Wimauma Infant's Death Ruled Homicide; Mother Charged With Murder

WIMAUMA, FL — The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office arrested a 26-year-old woman from Wimauma after her infant's death was ruled a homicide.

On April 17, All Children's Hospital in Pinellas County contacted the sheriff's office after an unresponsive infant was brought in with trauma. The baby died on April 21.

During an interview with detectives, Haley Marie Barclay admitted to shaking her baby on April 12 and 13.

On Monday, the Pinellas County Medical Examiner's Office concluded the infant's death was a homicide.

"This woman was responsible for caring for this defenseless child. Instead, she is responsible for this innocent child's death," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "I must commend our detectives for their tireless work in this investigation. This loss is a heartbreaking reminder of our responsibility to protect our communities most vulnerable to harm."

Barclay is being held in the Falkenburg Road Jail without bail.

Barclay was initially charged with aggravated child abuse and aggravated child neglect on April 17.She's now been charged with first-degree felony murder while engaged in aggravated child abuse.

The Hillsborough County Child Protective Investigations Unit is arranging shelter for Barclay's other children.