Kristina Edwards Charged In Baby’s Death Pleads Guilty to Involuntary Manslaughter
A mom charged in the death of her toddler pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter in Scioto County Common Pleas Court on Tuesday.
According to court records, Kristina Edwards withdrew her previous ‘not guilty’ plea and entered pleas of guilty to involuntary manslaughter, aggravated trafficking in drugs, and having weapons under a disability.
The Tragedy
Last January, 20-month-old Zariah Malee Greene was rushed to Southern Ohio Medical Center and pronounced dead, prompting police to begin an investigation.
Baby Zariah had been placed in kinship care by Scioto County Children’s Services. In spite of this, overnight visits with the toddler were allowed for Kristina Edwards, the biological mother. After visiting with Edwards, the child was returned to the kinship caregiver in very poor shape. Upon dropping off the baby, Edwards allegedly said that the baby was sleeping and took her straight to bed.
Upon checking on the sleeping child, the kinship caregiver realized something was very wrong. The baby was rushed to the hospital immediately, but it was too late. A source familiar with the investigation believes Edwards delivered a dead child.
When officers searched Edwards’s home, detectives recovered 29 grams of meth, 13 grams of heroin/fentanyl, marijuana, scales, a firearm, and $4,200 in cash.
Kristina Edwards was arrested for child endangerment and trafficking in heroin, fentanyl, and meth in the vicinity of a minor. Involuntary manslaughter charges were added at a later date.
Concern for Zariah’s safety was met with scorn and a firm warning.
According to police reports, relatives of the baby reported possible child endangerment.
Concerned relatives were reportedly scolded for filing false police reports. There was even a threat that Kristiana Edwards could file stalking charges against them.
