Louisville Mother Accepts Plea Deal After 3-Month-Old Baby Drowns in Motel Bathtub
LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY — A 36-year-old Louisville woman has accepted a plea deal in connection with the death of her 3-month-old baby, who drowned in a motel bathtub on New Year’s Day earlier this year.
Authorities said Amber Winstead pleaded guilty to manslaughter in exchange for prosecutors dropping a felony offender enhancement, which could have added years to her sentence. Under the agreement, the state is recommending seven years in prison.
Baby Found Unresponsive in Motel Bathtub
The tragedy occurred at a Motel 6 in Louisville, where officers from the Louisville Metro Police Department responded to reports of a possible drowning. When police arrived, they discovered the infant submerged in the bathtub.
Investigators said Winstead admitted she had been using narcotics throughout the day and had taken the baby into the tub with her. She later fell asleep under the influence and awoke hours later when another person in the motel room found the baby underwater.
Authorities pronounced the infant dead at the scene.
Court Details and Plea Agreement
Prosecutors initially charged Winstead with manslaughter and labeled her a persistent felony offender, a designation that increases potential penalties for repeat offenders. During her court appearance on Friday, Winstead pleaded guilty to the manslaughter charge in exchange for the dismissal of the felony enhancement.
The Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office recommended a seven-year sentence, which Winstead will serve in a Kentucky state prison if approved by the judge.
Her sentencing hearing is scheduled for December 11, where the final sentence will be formally imposed.
Community Reaction and Legal Outlook
The case has drawn widespread attention in Louisville, where advocates for child welfare and recovery services have pointed to the tragedy as another example of how substance abuse and parental neglect can intertwine with devastating results.
While Winstead expressed remorse for her baby’s death during the proceedings, legal experts say the plea deal likely spared her a longer sentence if convicted on both counts at trial.
As Louisville continues to grapple with rising cases of drug-related child neglect and fatalities, local officials are urging parents struggling with addiction to seek help through community outreach programs before tragedy strikes. For more updates on Kentucky crime, court cases, and public safety news, visit ChicagoMusicGuide.com.