Woman who accidentally smothered baby loses challenge
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. (AP) - A Shinnston woman in prison for unintentionally smothering her baby and delivering a controlled substance has lost a legal challenge against the drug delivery conviction.
The Exponent Telegram reports that a Harrison County judge recently ruled that a 2013 video showing a Clarksburg drug transaction did not exonerate Tricia Brooke Moore, 30, as the inmate's attorney had argued. The judge said people who were at the scene have identified Moore as having been present.
Moore has not appealed or challenged her conviction in the charge involving the death of her 3-month-old son, Zaiden. Authorities say the baby died when her mother fell asleep on him while under the influence of drugs.
Moore must serve at least 3 years for child neglect resulting in death before becoming eligible for parole.