WARWICK, RI (WPRI/CNN) – A Rhode Island couple has been charged with felony cruelty to or neglect of a child in the death of their 8-month-old daughter, and police say more charges are possible.
Police say emergency crews found an unresponsive infant when they responded to a call on Nov. 19. They rushed the baby to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Preliminary findings show the child had fentanyl, a powerful painkiller, in her system when she died, according to a police affidavit. However, the medical examiner is conducting further tests to determine the exact cause of her death.
The 8-month-old’s parents, Steven Gilchrist and Jocelyn Belmore, were arrested Tuesday and appeared in court Wednesday where they pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Detectives say Gilchrist told them he was the last one to see the infant alive when he fed her a bottle. She went to sleep and never woke up, Gilchrist says.
Police found three prescription bottles on a nightstand where the baby’s diapers were stored, they say. In those bottles were half-burnt marijuana cigarettes and Suboxone, which is used to treat opioid addiction.
In addition, two beer cans were on plastic drawers at the foot of the bed, and dog feces were found inside the home.
The parents’ bail was set at $50,000 with surety, and both were ordered to have no contact with anyone under the age of 16.
The state Department of Children, Youth and Families says Belmore had no prior history of child abuse or neglect, but Gilchrist was known to the agency in an unrelated case.
After learning of the 8-month-old’s death, the agency launched an investigation, during which they say they learned of additional information that supports the charges.
Police say additional charges are possible as they continue to investigate.
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