Mother Charged After Infant Smothered to Death

A Milwaukee woman, Makenzie Critton, 22, is facing a felony charge of physical abuse of a child, repeated acts causing death, after her 7-month-old baby died in July. Critton called 911 on July 27, reporting the infant unresponsive. First responders found the baby not breathing and transported to Children's Wisconsin, where the infant was pronounced dead. An autopsy found no natural causes for death, with the medical examiner noting that suffocation injuries may not be apparent.

During interviews, Critton admitted to smothering the infant on multiple occasions. A grandmother reported witnessing Critton smother the baby on June 12, placing her hand over the infant's nose and mouth. Family friends and the infant's father also described previous violent abuse, including shaking, striking, and covering the baby with a blanket. Critton told detectives she became frustrated with the infant's crying and admitted to pressing the baby's head against her chest until the infant stopped breathing and moving.

Critton acknowledged her actions were life-threatening but continued due to frustration with the infant's crying. She believed the baby would recover, as had happened in previous incidents. Upon learning of the infant's death, Critton expressed remorse and acknowledged she would face a lengthy jail sentence. Her initial court appearance was scheduled for July 30.