Tragedy Strikes: South Carolina Mother Charged with Murder as Autopsy Reveals Child’s Drug Overdose

Shocking Revelation in Tragic Case

In a shocking turn of events, a 26-year-old mother in South Carolina, Carolyn Scott, has been charged with murder after an autopsy revealed that her 3-year-old daughter, Riley Scott, had drugs in her system at the time of her death. The devastating incident has left the community in disbelief as details surrounding the case continue to unfold.

Homicide by Child Abuse Charges

According to reports from The Augusta Press, WRDW-TV, and The Post and Courier, Carolyn Scott is facing charges of homicide by child abuse in connection with Riley’s death. Additionally, Scott has been charged with two counts of unlawful neglect of a child or helpless person in relation to other alleged victims, as indicated by an arrest warrant.

Tragic Events Unfold at the Scott Residence

The incident came to light when police responded to a report of an unresponsive child at the Scott family home in Jackson, S.C., around 9:30 p.m., according to WRDW-TV. First responders performed CPR on Riley before rushing her to the hospital, where she tragically succumbed to an overdose from fentanyl and methamphetamine. Reports suggest that Carolyn Scott informed the police she was doing homework while Riley was asleep. She allegedly discovered something was amiss when another child attempted to wake Riley. Scott claimed to find her daughter “unresponsive” with apparent “vomit on the bed.” The situation escalated when Riley, according to Scott, began turning blue. It was only then that 911 was called.

Deplorable Living Conditions and Narcotic Use Allegations

Disturbing details emerged during the investigation, revealing that the children in the Scott household were living in “deplorable conditions” without running water. The arrest warrants disclosed that electricity was being provided illegally “in an unsafe manner.” Shockingly, evidence of narcotic use, including “uncapped syringes, foil, and suspected drugs,” was discovered within reach of the minor child. Furthermore, authorities uncovered that Riley had a body temperature of 86 degrees during transportation to the hospital, suggesting a potential delay of over an hour from the onset of symptoms to the contact with law enforcement. Naloxone, a medication used to reverse opioid overdose, was also found in Riley’s bloodstream, indicating that someone had administered it before the arrival of first responders.

As the legal proceedings unfold, the community grapples with the heartbreaking reality of a young life lost under tragic circumstances. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance in ensuring the safety and well-being of children, and it underscores the need for swift and decisive action in instances of neglect and abuse.