A 22-year-old Alabama mother is facing serious criminal charges following the death of her 17-month-old son, who had a medical condition requiring a surgically implanted feeding tube.
According to the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office, Kaitlynn Dominick was arrested on May 26 and charged with manslaughter and aggravated child ab*se.
Child Died After Medical Emergency
Investigators said Dominick brought her young son to a hospital on May 4. The child died the following day after suffering a medical emergency.
Hospital staff reportedly became suspicious after noticing unusual lab results and contacted authorities to begin an investigation.
Police later learned that the child had a serious medical condition that required nutrition through a gastric feeding tube.
Investigators Say Harmful Mixture Was Given Through Feeding Tube
According to investigators, Dominick admitted to preparing and administering a liquid mixture through the child’s feeding tube before he became critically ill.
Authorities said the mixture reportedly contained a liquid combined with table salt.
Investigators stated that while the mixture may not have seriously harmed a healthy adult or child, it allegedly caused a dangerous medical reaction because of the toddler’s existing medical condition.
Police Believe Mother Knew Child Could Be Harmed
According to court documents and statements from investigators, authorities believe Dominick knew the solution could make the child seriously sick.
Officials alleged the act may have been done in an attempt to gain temporary relief from caregiving responsibilities.
Captain Justin Correa of the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office said investigators concluded the mixture directly caused the medical emergency that led to the child’s death.
Investigation Still Ongoing
The investigation remains active as authorities continue reviewing medical evidence and witness statements.
Dominick is currently being held on a $75,000 bond while the case moves through the court system.
As with all criminal cases, the charges remain allegations, and Dominick is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
