Grieving father Marco Mejia told 6ABC News that his wife allegedly killed their child by rolling over her while under the influence of drugs.
Though an official cause of death has not been released, Marco maintains that 8-month-old Olaia Marie’s mom, 31-year-old Lisa Scalia is to blame. He claims she injured their daughter while rolling over her while she was high.
Little Olaia was found unconscious in their home in Ventnor, New Jersey last January 3.
Paramedics who responded to the scene reportedly performed CPR, according to authorities. But when it was clear they could not revive her, they rushed the baby to St. Christopher’s Hospital in nearby Philadelphia, where she was later pronounced dead.
Lisa has been imprisoned and bail has been set at $100,000. She has so far been charged with child endangerment and drug possession but it is yet to be determined if she will be charged as a suspect in her daughter’s death.
6ABC News reports that when authorities searched Lisa’s home, they found 34 bags of Heroin and 10 Oxycodone pills.
READ: Parents become suspects in the death of 1-year-old from an apparent heroin overdose
Incidents like this should alert parents not only of the dangers of drug addiction but bed-sharing as well.
Parents are pretty much divided when it comes to this. Some parents believe that sharing a bed with your infant is safe and beneficial because it nurtures a bond between the two of you. On the other hand, some parents view bed-sharing as something that’s downright dangerous.
This may increase the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related deaths. Studies found that at least half of all parents eventually share a sleeping space with their kids at some point during the first six months of life.
It’s also important to know that co-sleeping with your child on a sofa or an armchair poses dangers as well.
The Guardian reports that although the risks tend to outweigh the benefits, bed-sharing becomes less risky when done properly.
If you have any insights, questions or comments regarding the topic, please share them in our Comment box below. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Google+ to stay up-to-date on the latest from theAsianparent.com Philippines!
