The parents of a one-week-old baby in Pennsylvania are facing charges after the infant died while sleeping in bed with them instead of in a crib or bassinet. Authorities say Ashley Susana Usadel, 31, and Travis Scott Smart, 34, were arrested Thursday and each charged with child endangerment following the death of their son, Zane Scott Usadel-Smart. Usadel also faces an additional charge of involuntary manslaughter.
According to NorthCentralPA, Sunbury Police responded around 2:30 a.m. on April 10 to a home on North Sixth Street after a call about an unresponsive infant. Officers arrived to find the father attempting CPR on Zane, who was lying face-up on a bed in the living room. First responders took over, but Zane was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities contacted the Northumberland County Coroner and Children and Youth Services.
Both parents were taken to the police station for interviews.
According to PennLive, Usadel told investigators she went to bed around 9:30 p.m., holding Zane in her right arm and breastfeeding while scrolling through TikTok with her left hand. She said she fell asleep and later woke up to find Zane unresponsive next to her.
Investigators at the scene noted a large discoloration on Zane’s forehead.
Usadel said she usually laid Zane down in a Pack ‘n Play, but it wasn’t set up that night. Smart told detectives he went to bed with Usadel and the baby around 11 p.m., noting that she typically handled Zane’s bedtime. When asked why there was no crib or bassinet, Smart reportedly said they “hadn’t got around to it,” and added that Usadel often fell asleep while holding Zane.
Three other children were in the home at the time and were placed into the care of Children and Youth Services. A search warrant was carried out, collecting items like pillows, blankets, and clothing to aid in the investigation.
Usadel is being held on $50,000 bond, and Smart on $10,000, at the Northumberland County Jail.
