Inset: Thalia Matos (Lackawanna County Jail). Background: Apartment in the 100 block of Fallbrook Street in Carbondale, Pennsylvania, where Matos” 2-month-old son died in a co-sleeping incident, authorities say (Google Maps).
In Pennsylvania, a 28-year-old woman has been arrested following the tragic death of her 2-month-old son, which authorities allege was caused by co-sleeping.
Thalia Matos is now facing charges of involuntary manslaughter and child endangerment in connection with the death of her infant son, Royce Coxson, according to court documents.
The incident occurred in July at an apartment located on the 100 block of Fallbrook Street in Carbondale, near Scranton, as detailed in a criminal complaint obtained by local Fox affiliate WOLF.
Matos allegedly confessed to sharing a bed with her son Royce and her 5-year-old daughter after using marijuana. Subsequent blood tests revealed that the THC in her system was tainted with formaldehyde, as stated in the affidavit. A neighbor reportedly informed police that both Matos and Royce had an odor resembling embalming fluid.
Additionally, Matos is accused of deceiving investigators by claiming she was alone with her children the night before Royce’s death. However, security footage reportedly contradicted her statement, showing several individuals entering and exiting the apartment, according to the affidavit.
The medical examiner determined that the cause of death was asphyxia due to mechanical compression.
Matos slept in the same bed with her children despite attending an education course at a hospital about the dangers of co-sleeping, according to police.
“Co-sleeping, particularly when a caregiver is impaired by marijuana or other drugs, can have fatal consequences,” Lackawanna County District Attorney Brian Gallagher said in a statement to local ABC affiliate WNEP. “Infants depend entirely on adults for their protection, and when that responsibility is compromised, we will step in and hold caretakers accountable.”
Matos was arrested on Monday and has since posted $40,000 bail. Her next court date is set for Feb. 17.
