Iowa Mother Charged After Infant Found Suffocated in Trash Can While She Slept, Police Say

KEOKUK, IOWA — A 28-year-old Iowa mother has been charged after authorities say she fell asleep under the influence of drugs and later woke to find her infant son head-first inside a trash can, unresponsive and not breathing.

The child, identified in records as R.S., died of asphyxia, according to investigators.

Infant Found with His Head Inside Trash Can After Mother “Passed Out”

According to a criminal complaint, the incident happened on Jan. 27 while Jaley Bush was visiting a friend at his home on Hickory Terrace in Keokuk. Bush brought her baby with her and the two fell asleep together on a bed in a basement bedroom.

When she woke up, Bush told officers that she found her infant “head first and unresponsive inside of a trash can next to the bed.”

Authorities say the child had been placed on the inside portion of the bed, and Bush claimed he must have crawled over or around her before falling into the trash can while she slept.

Police Say Bush Appeared Under the Influence

Keokuk police officers arrived around 2 p.m., beginning lifesaving efforts as Bush appeared disoriented and impaired. The complaint notes she showed “signs of being under the influence,” including slurred speech and a stoic demeanor.

Before falling asleep, Bush admitted she had taken Klonopin, a sedative used to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. She said she did not know who the pills belonged to.

A blood test taken the next day revealed the presence of:

• Methamphetamine
• Benzodiazepines (including Klonopin)

Bush told investigators she had not taken any additional drugs between the time police arrived and when her blood was drawn.

Infant’s Death Ruled Asphyxia; Mother Charged

Baby R.S. was hospitalized but pronounced dead on Feb. 5. The medical examiner ruled his death the result of asphyxia — a lack of oxygen.

Bush was later charged with child endangerment resulting in death, a felony. She appeared in court this week to face the charge.

Community Shocked by Details of the Case

The tragic circumstances have left residents in Keokuk — a southeastern Iowa city bordering Missouri and Illinois — stunned.

According to investigators, Bush claimed she simply “passed out” and did not realize her son had moved near the edge of the bed. However, authorities say her drug use severely impaired her ability to safely care for the child.

The case remains ongoing as prosecutors move forward with charges.

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