Couple arrested in relation to 3-month-old baby’s death

VERNON, N.Y. » According to State Police, on Jan. 27, the New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) in Oneida arrested 23-year-old Nicolas M. Evans and 20-year-old Alexia S. Davis, both from Vernon, for one count of endangering the welfare of a child, a class “A” misdemeanor.

The arrests result from an investigation into an incident that occurred at their residence on Nov. 25, 2020. Reports say that at approximately 7:30 a.m., emergency personnel was dispatched to their residence for an unresponsive 3-month-old child. The child was pronounced deceased on the scene as a result of an unsafe cosleeping situation, officials reported.

According to officials, an investigation conducted by both the New York State Police and Oneida County Child Protective Services (CPS) determined that during the 12 hours prior to the child’s death, there were admissions of drug abuse by the parents along with extended periods of time where the child was not attended to. This, along with the unsafe sleeping conditions, were factors that raised concern.

After concluding the investigation, the Oneida County District Attorney’s Office was consulted for possible criminal action, officials reported. Although officials say the parents could not be held responsible for the child’s actual death due to lack of culpability (responsibility for wrongdoing or failure), the events leading up to the child’s death were deemed prosecutable, and both were charged accordingly.

They were issued appearance tickets returnable to the Village of Vernon Court on Feb. 10, 2021, at 1 p.m.

The New York State Police and other law enforcement agencies have reported seeing an increase in child fatalities around the state from unsafe sleeping conditions. State Police would like to remind parents and caretakers of the dangers of co-sleeping and remind the public of the ABC’S of safe sleep, which are: A-always Alone B-ON their Back C-IN a Crib.

According to the NYS Health Department, more than 90 infants die each year in NYS due to unsafe sleep practices and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

Officials say unsafe sleep practices include infants sleeping on their tummies or sides or in places other than cribs/bassinets/play yards, such as adult beds, baby slings, car seats, couches, or armchairs. Also unsafe is sleeping with pets, other children or adults, or with blankets or other bedding, crib bumpers, or stuffed toys.

Residents can find more information on safe sleeping practices through local county health/social services departments and the NYS Health Department by visiting www.health.ny.gov/safesleep.