Parents Arrested in West Virginia for Allegedly Causing Baby's Death with Alcohol Use

In West Virginia, a mother and father have been taken into custody following the death of their 4-month-old baby, which authorities say was due to the parents applying a harmful amount of alcohol to the child’s gums. Angel Talbert and James Smith are facing serious charges including murder, child neglect leading to death, and conspiracy, as revealed by the Braxton County Sheriff's Department.

The tragic death was reported in November 2024 when deputies were called to investigate the situation. According to Smith, Talbert had woken him up to check on the infant early that morning. Upon inspection, he found the baby unresponsive and lying face down, prompting him to call for help while performing CPR. The baby was then transported to Braxton County Memorial Hospital but sadly did not survive.

As deputies delved deeper into the circumstances surrounding the child's death, they noted concerning conditions within the couple's home, including signs of neglect such as cockroaches and the lack of running water. An examination conducted by the medical examiner's office on April 10, 2025, revealed alarming blood alcohol levels in the infant, indicating a level that could be fatal.

Following this revelation, further interactions with the parents led to troubling admissions. Talbert reportedly mentioned that Smith would regularly apply alcohol to the baby's gums to soothe her when she was fussy, a practice they had allegedly been doing nearly daily up to the date of the child’s death. While this action may stem from traditional beliefs about calming babies, health professionals strongly condemn the practice, warning that it can lead to serious harm or even death in infants.

Now, Talbert and Smith remain in jail without bond as they await further legal proceedings related to this heartbreaking case.