In a devastating case in Michigan that has shook the community, O. Miller, a 23-year-old mother, has pleaded no contest to involuntary manslaughter after her infant son drowned while she was using her cellphone for over 30 minutes. According to court documents, Miller filed the plea in connection with her 8-month-old son’s death this week and now faces up to a year in jail under the conditions of her plea agreement.
The disturbing occurrences occurred on November 22, 2023, when Miller placed her kid in a bathtub filled a few inches with running water. According to Miller’s initial statement to detectives, she left the bathroom to change laundry in an adjacent room, returning within five minutes to find her baby floating face-up with his nose and mouth submerged. She attempted resuscitation until emergency responders came. First responders transported the 8-month-old boy to the hospital, where they tragically declared him dead.
However, the investigation revealed contradictions in Miller’s account. Detectives noticed that Miller’s version of events evolved over time, casting doubt on her initial tale. A probable cause affidavit underlined the differences in her explanations regarding the events that led to Asher’s death. Data from Miller’s smartphone, which painted a different picture of her actions at the time, supported this contradiction.
According to cell phone records, Miller was on the phone from 3:17 p.m., taking only an 18-second break before making the emergency call at 3:38 p.m. Miller texted her father, stating, “Just trying to talk while I have time while he’s taking a nap,” about four minutes before calling 911. She also notified the boy’s paternal grandmother twice about the drowning before calling 911.
The autopsy report’s results were unequivocal, with the county’s chief medical examiner confirming drowning as the cause of death for the 8-month-old boy. The youngster had been alone on the bathtub floor for at least 20 minutes before assistance arrived, according to further investigation.
According to the plea agreement, Miller faces up to a year in prison, reflecting the gravity of the error involved. Her attorney, F. Stanley, underlined Miller’s lack of intent to injure, describing the incident as a tragic accident that has left her deeply emotionally scarred. He said, “This is a tragic situation.” She has suffered greatly emotionally as a result of her child’s loss; she adored that child.” Early November will see Miller’s sentencing, and the law will recognize the full extent of her acts.
