2 charged in connection with 3-month-old infant’s death in Highlands: deputies

HIGHLANDS COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) — Two women have been charged in connection with the death of an infant in Avon Park, according to the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office.

The baby’s mother, Sabrina Denise Watson, 28, and the cousin of Watson and the child’s legal guardian, Gwendolyn L. Wyche, 49, were charged following the girl’s death on May 4.

On that morning, deputies responded to a home on Lake Avenue after the baby was found unresponsive.

Due to Watson’s past of drug use, the baby, along with one of her siblings, age 2, were removed from her custody and had been placed in custody of Wyche. Another sibling, a 4-year-old was placed into custody of Watson’s parents. A court order stated that the children were not to live with Watson, only allowing supervised visitations.

Investigation revealed that on the night of May 3, Wyche dropped off the infant and the 2-year-old with Watson so that she could take her own kids skating. Wyche said she would come back to pick the children up but never did, deputies said.

At one point during the night, Watson had left the children alone in the home and had “smoked some type of drugs,” according to the sheriff’s office. They also described the state of the home as filthy, with windows covered with wood and cardboard, uncovered outlets and no running water.

While sleeping on a mattress with the infant and toddler, officials said Watson rolled onto the baby, causing her not to breathe.

A medical examiner determined the child’s death to be an “accidental overlay,” officials said.

Watson was charged with negligent manslaughter of a child, two counts of child neglect, and possession of methamphetamine and drug equipment. Wyche was charged with child neglect.

Watson’s parents, Angeline and William Watson were charged with child neglect for leaving the 4-year-old child with Sabrina, violating the court order.

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