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Grandmother Blames CPS in Infant Meth Death
28 Jan
Summary
- Infant died from methamphetamine toxicity.
- Grandmother alleges CPS failed to protect baby.
- Mother arrested for manslaughter charges.
A heartbroken grandmother is holding Child Protective Services (CPS) accountable after her infant grandson, Zachariah, died from methamphetamine toxicity. The one-month-old was discovered unresponsive in his crib on July 27 and later pronounced dead at the hospital.
Authorities arrested Zachariah's mother, Swantiera Cooke, 36, on suspicion of manslaughter on January 12. Investigators found drug paraphernalia near the baby's crib. Swantiera allegedly admitted to using methamphetamine hours before her son was found deceased.
CPS records reveal that Zachariah had amphetamines and methamphetamines or heroin in his system at birth, and his mother also tested positive for several substances. Despite this, CPS allowed the infant to go home with his mother under a supervision plan that was reportedly not adhered to, as she was not living in the designated safe home.
The grandmother insists CPS was aware of her daughter's severe drug problems and failed to take adequate measures to protect her grandson. She is now considering legal action against the agency, seeking acknowledgment and an apology for the tragic loss.
