Ladson mother charged with Homicide by Child Abuse after death of infant

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – The Charleston County Sheriff’s Office has charged a Ladson mother with homicide by child abuse after the death of an infant.

Deputies charged Sara Shakeri-Taylor, 39, after deputies responded to a residence on May 15 for reports of an unresponsive child.

Authorities responded to the residence of Shakeri-Taylor and began life-saving measures on the child until EMS arrived. The infant was then transported to Summerville Medical Center and was pronounced dead that evening, officials say.

Officers collected baby bottles, formula, a pacifier, and a dollar bill with a powder substance. According to authorities, the items were sent to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division for analysis and they were presumptive for the presence of fentanyl.  

“As a parent, it shakes me to my core to see people be so careless and negligent with their children. This mother made a terrible decision, and she is where she belongs,” said Sheriff Kristin Graziano. “The people of Charleston County should be advised that my deputies work hard to get people like this off the street.”

Since the initial call in May, Shakeri-Taylor has been charged with three counts of conspiracy, three counts of animal fighting or baiting, and one count of ill-treatment of animals.