Alabama Mother Arrested After Allegedly Trying to Smother Her 4-Month-Old Baby to Stop Her From Crying, Deputies Say
PHENIX CITY, ALABAMA — A 28-year-old Alabama mother is facing charges of attempted murder and torture and willful abuse of a child after deputies say she tried to smother her 4-month-old daughter during a late-night incident at a home in eastern Alabama. Witnesses told investigators they saw the mother choking, shaking, and attempting to suffocate the infant to quiet her cries.
Deputies Receive 911 Call Reporting Woman “Attempting to Smother” Her Baby
According to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, around 12:38 a.m. on Monday, deputies responded to a residence on the 200 block of Lee Road, where several witnesses reported that the baby’s mother, Mireira Lucero, was attempting to suffocate her child.
Witnesses told investigators they saw Lucero:
- Choke the infant
- Shake the baby violently
- Place blankets and pillows on top of the child
- Hold the baby in the air while shaking her
Authorities say the mother’s actions were aimed at trying to get the 4-month-old to stop crying.
The disturbing allegations prompted an emergency response, bringing both law enforcement and paramedics to the home.
Infant Taken to Hospital; Deputies Say Baby Appeared Alert and Stable
When emergency responders arrived, they evaluated the child and transported her to a nearby hospital for further examination.
Officials said that at the time of transport, the infant was alert and appeared to be in good health, despite the reported violence.
Deputies arrested Lucero at the scene and transported her to the Lee County Detention Center, where she is being held on an $85,000 bond.
Authorities have not released information about what may have triggered the mother’s behavior, and there are no reports of previous incidents involving the child.
Charges Include Attempted Murder and Torture of a Child
Lucero faces multiple severe charges, including:
- Attempted Murder
- Torture and Willful Abuse of a Child
Court documents detail additional violent actions consistent with witness accounts, including pressing pillows and blankets onto the baby’s face and seizing the infant by the throat.
Deputies say the investigation is ongoing and additional interviews are being conducted with individuals who were present during the incident.
Community Shocked as Investigation Continues
Phenix City, a community located less than a mile from the Georgia border, has been shaken by the allegations.
Authorities say they are working closely with child protective services to ensure the baby’s continued safety.
The infant is expected to remain under medical supervision while investigators determine the next steps in the case.
As the case develops, more information is expected from investigators and court proceedings. For ongoing coverage of this case and other major public safety developments across the country, visit ChicagoMusicGuide.com.