Inset, left to right: Mark Anthony Labaco Clamor and Alyssa Jade Vanderbeck in court on March 12 (KOMO). The apartment complex where the couple lived with their newborn son (KOMO).
A 19-year-old mother from Washington state is accused of recording herself dancing to “upbeat” music for a TikTok video in her infant son’s hospital bathroom, while the critically injured baby lay nearby suffering from severe head trauma that eventually led to his death, according to prosecutors.
The young mother, Alyssa Jade Vanderbeck, along with the child’s 21-year-old father, Mark Anthony Labaco Clamor, are both facing serious felony charges in the tragic case concerning their 2-month-old son.
Clamor has been charged with second-degree murder and second-degree child assault, while Vanderbeck is facing charges of second-degree murder and criminal mistreatment. These charges were detailed in a report by Seattle’s NBC affiliate, KING.
The distressing sequence of events began when the couple called 911 on Wednesday, March 4, reporting that their infant son was not breathing. Emergency responders transported the child to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital. Despite medical efforts, the infant succumbed to his injuries approximately five days later.
Medical professionals informed the authorities that the baby had suffered from extensive injuries, including brain and eye hemorrhaging as well as several fractured ribs. This information was highlighted in a report by the Seattle-based CBS affiliate, KIRO.
The medical assessment reportedly stated, “Based on the review of the available medical evidence, this presentation is consistent with abusive head trauma,” indicating the severity of the child’s injuries.
A social worker reported the baby’s injuries to law enforcement as possible child abuse.
Prosecutors told the court the injuries ruled out sudden infant death syndrome.
“This is not a case of SIDS,” a prosecutor reportedly said during their arraignment Thursday. “This was ongoing abuse of a vulnerable infant.”
An officer also noted that, under the circumstances, the parents were allegedly acting odd, describing their demeanor as “unusual, considering the gravity of the suspected offense and the condition their child was in.”
Investigators later reviewed social media activity as they worked to reconstruct the timeline leading up to the baby’s death, revealing additional concerning behavior.
While her son was fighting for his life due to the critical injuries, investigators said Vanderbeck posted a video to TikTok depicting herself dancing in the bathroom of the baby’s hospital room. The video reportedly features Vanderbeck dancing to “upbeat” music.
Prosecutors reportedly referenced the video in court while describing the parents’ actions during the period when doctors were treating the baby for severe trauma.
In an interview with investigators, Clamor allegedly said that the baby was being fussy when he tried to feed him and he picked the child up in a “jerking motion,” Seattle ABC affiliate KOMO reported. He allegedly added that he said, “Why you crying boy?” as he “jerked back pretty hard” with the baby.
The duo further said that when they realized the baby was “distraught,” they may have panicked and shaken him in an effort to stimulate him.
Doctors later determined the injuries matched those commonly seen in cases involving violent shaking or blunt force trauma, the outlets reported.
The parents also waited about an hour after noticing their son was acting unusually before seeking medical assistance, calling friends and family members before dialing 911, prosecutors said.
The parents are currently being held in the Pierce County Jail on a bond of $1 million.
