South Carolina mother accused of running dog fighting operation and killing 10-month-old daughter

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (TCN) -- A 39-year-old mother was recently charged in connection with the death of her infant daughter, who died more than three months ago.

According to the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office, on May 15, deputies responded to a home where they found an unresponsive child, identified by WCSC-TV as 10-month-old Aminah Gathers. Deputies attempted lifesaving measures until emergency medical services arrived and transported the victim to Summerville Medical Center. She was pronounced deceased that evening.

Upon deputies’ arrival, the victim’s mother, Sara Shakeri-Taylor, was home with the father, 41-year-old Sandy Gathers. Gathers reportedly said he had arrived home from work and discovered Shakeri-Taylor sleeping and the child on her stomach unresponsive.

Investigators collected evidence at the scene, including bottles, formula, a pacifier, and a dollar bill that all contained a powdery substance. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division reportedly discovered the presence of fentanyl on the items.

According to WCSC, an autopsy later revealed the baby died from a fentanyl overdose.

The sheriff’s office said investigators also found evidence of dog fighting in the home. Authorities located around 15 dogs, many of which were apparent pit bulls. WCSC reports that there were tethered and caged dogs, as well as photos and videos of the alleged dog fighting. According to the news source, Gathers and Shakeri-Taylor pretended to manage a kennel but were allegedly running a dog fighting operation instead.

On May 29, deputies and South Carolina Law Enforcement Division agents executed a search warrant at the home, where they located two dogs and one deceased dog. The animals were transported to the Charleston Animal Society.

Deputies and agents went to the home again on June 4 and took Gathers into custody on two counts of animal fighting or baiting, one count of conspiracy, and 15 counts of unlawful possession of a firearm by a person convicted of a violent crime.

On Aug. 26, the sheriff’s office announced that they charged Shakeri-Taylor with homicide by child abuse. According to records, in addition to the homicide charge, she faces counts of ill treatment of animals, animal fighting or baiting, and criminal conspiracy.

In a statement, Charleston County Sheriff Kristin Graziano said, "As a parent, it shakes me to my core to see people be so careless and negligent with their children. This mother made a terrible decision, and she is where she belongs."