Indiana Mother Sentenced for Infant’s Death Tied to Unsafe Co-Sleeping

Photo byTricia Cavanaugh

A Delaware County woman has been sentenced to 14 years in prison following the 2016 death of her 4-month-old child due to unsafe sleep practices. Tricia Cavanaugh, 34, pled guilty to neglect of a dependent resulting in serious bodily injury, a Level 3 felony.

The incident occurred when police were called to Cavanaugh’s home in Muncie after the infant was found unconscious. Despite attempts at CPR, the child was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the hospital. Cavanaugh, who appeared intoxicated at the time, later admitted to falling asleep after breastfeeding and waking up to find her baby face down next to her.

Toxicology reports showed that Cavanaugh had Hydrocodone and Nordiazepam in her system. A subsequent search of her home revealed several prescription medications, including Hydrocodone, Diazepam, and Gabapentin, with records showing that she had overused her Hydrocodone prescription.

Cavanaugh had a history of unsafe sleep practices, having been investigated by the Department of Child Services for co-sleeping with her children. Despite repeated warnings from medical staff after her baby’s birth, Cavanaugh continued the dangerous practice. The infant had previously been treated for neonatal drug withdrawal.

An autopsy did not reveal the exact cause of death but cited unsafe sleep conditions as a contributing factor. Delaware County Prosecutor Eric Hoffman emphasized the dangers of co-sleeping, warning that such practices often lead to tragic outcomes like smothering.