Detroit Mom Charged After Infant Daughter Found Dead In Bathtub

DETROIT, MI — A 22-year-old Detroit mother has been charged for the death of her 18-day-old infant daughter who was found dead in a bathtub days ago.

The baby, Lauren Williams, was found in a bathtub about 6 a.m. Monday in their home, and her mother, Jaila Thomas, was taken into police custody that morning.

Police said Thomas told police she woke up and found her baby in the bathtub, unresponsive in the water. When medical officials arrived, they were unable to revive the girl.

The Wayne County Prosecutor's Office said Thomas had been drinking and was alone in her apartment in the 19630 block of Schoenherr Street when she found her infant unresponsive, floating face down in the bathtub.

"The alleged facts in this case are appalling," said Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy in a statement. "This baby was only in this world for 18 days. Do I really have to say this? Don't attempt to care for any infant when you are intoxicated. This shouldn't happen if a person is 'a little' intoxicated. Please don't do it."

Thomas is charged with involuntary manslaughter and second-degree child abuse.

Thomas is scheduled to be arraigned on the charges Thursday morning in 36th District Court.