CHARLESTON, WV – A devastating case of alleged child neglect has emerged in West Virginia, where a couple is accused of causing the death of their infant daughter by using alcohol as a calming agent. Angel Talbert and James Smith face serious charges after their four-month-old daughter died under tragic circumstances.
The infant, born in July 2024, was found unresponsive in November of that year. Despite immediate attempts to revive her, she was pronounced dead at the hospital. While the parents initially claimed their daughter was healthy, an autopsy revealed a lethal ethanol level of 3.210, drawing suspicion and prompting further investigation.
Upon inspecting the family’s living conditions, authorities were appalled by the filth and neglect. The home was infested with roaches, and there was no running water, forcing the family to use an outdoor spigot for water. Investigators also found a device used for smoking THC, which Smith admitted to using.
In April 2025, the medical examiner confirmed the presence of ethanol in the infant’s blood, leading to renewed questioning of the parents. Initially, both denied any knowledge of alcohol exposure. However, Talbert later confessed that Smith had been applying alcohol to the baby’s gums to calm her down. Smith corroborated this, admitting that both parents engaged in this practice regularly for a month.
Talbert and Smith have been arrested and charged with first-degree murder and child neglect resulting in death. The case has sent shockwaves through the community, highlighting the severe consequences of neglectful parenting practices.
As the legal proceedings continue, the community is left to grapple with the loss of a young life and the circumstances that led to it. This tragic incident serves as a poignant reminder of the responsibilities parents have to ensure the safety and well-being of their children.