N.C. mother arrested after allegedly killing infant in co-sleeping incident for the second time

WILMINGTON, N.C. (TCD) -- Police recently arrested a 24-year-old mother after she allegedly killed her infant in a co-sleeping incident.

According to a news release from the Wilmington Police Department, in the early hours of Oct. 3, 2023, officers responded to the 800 block of Castle Street in reference to an unconscious infant who was not breathing. First responders attempted lifesaving measures, but despite their efforts, the baby died.

Police determined the victim's mother, Mackenzie Reed, allegedly suffocated her baby while co-sleeping. Officers noted Reed had another child who died in 2022 while co-sleeping with them as well.

The Sleep Foundation says co-sleeping can refer to parents who sleep on the same surface as their child, such as sharing a bed or couch. It can also mean sleeping in the same room but on different surfaces. The American Academy of Pediatrics called for infants "not to share a sleeping surface with anyone."

A spokesperson with the New Hanover County District Attorney’s office told WECT-TV Reed was not charged in the previous fatal co-sleeping incident because "there was not enough evidence to prosecute."

On March 6, police obtained warrants for Reed's arrest on charges of felony child abuse serious injury, involuntary manslaughter, and child abuse/neglect causing serious physical injury.

Reed was booked into the New Hanover County Jail and remains held on $500,000 bond.

MORE:

• Wilmington Woman Charged with Involuntary Manslaughter - Wilmington Police Department
• Police: Wilmington mother charged following suffocation of infant; experts discuss risks of co-sleeping - WECT
• New Hanover County Jail
• Co-Sleeping -  The Sleep Foundation
• Study: Most infants who died unexpectedly had multiple unsafe sleep practices - American Academy of Pediatrics