BENTONVILLE -- A Siloam Springs couple was arrested Tuesday in connection with manslaughter charges that involve the death of their 6-month-old baby.
Austin Moss, 21, and Jennifer Moss, 19, were being held in the Benton County Jail without bond late Tuesday afternoon. They were arrested in connection with manslaughter, a Class C felony punishable with a prison sentence ranging from three to 10 years.
Their arrests stems from an investigation that began Jan. 25.
Fire and police personnel were called to 300 Meadow Court No. 8 on Jan. 25 for a report a 6-month-old in cardiac arrest, according to a news release from Holland Hayden, Siloam Springs communications manager.
The baby was found without a pulse and wasn't breathing. Lifesaving efforts by Fire Department personnel were unsuccessful, according to the release.
Police investigated and found drug paraphernalia in the home, the release states.
Jennifer Moss and Austin Moss both said they had been using methamphetamine for several days before Jan. 24, according to the release. The parents told police they smoked marijuana Jan. 24 to help them sleep, according to the release.
The baby's body was sent to the state Crime Laboratory in Little Rock for an autopsy. Autopsy results are pending, however, preliminary findings indicate the cause of death was asphyxia due to co-sleeping. Police said the finding is consistent with the parents' statements they went to sleep with the baby between them, according to the release.
Prosecutors haven't filed formal charges in the case.
NW News on 02/11/2015