Two parents in West Virginia are facing murder charges after their 4-month-old daughter dies from acute alcohol poisoning, allegedly caused by a misguided attempt to soothe the baby’s teething pain using rubbing alcohol. James Smith, 31, and Angel Talbert, 30, are under arrest after an autopsy reveals their infant had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.321 — more than four times the legal limit for an adult to drive in most states.
The tragic case comes to light after emergency services respond to a 911 call in Charleston, where the baby girl is found unresponsive in her crib. Despite resuscitation efforts by first responders, she is pronounced dead at a local hospital. The Charleston Police Department launches an investigation after toxicology results from the West Virginia Medical Examiner’s Office reveal high levels of ethanol in the infant’s liver and bloodstream.
According to police reports, the parents allegedly confessed to rubbing alcohol on their baby’s gums in an attempt to ease teething discomfort, a home remedy that investigators say was applied repeatedly over several days. Authorities believe the application of the highly toxic substance was absorbed into the baby’s bloodstream at lethal levels, ultimately causing her death.
Detectives say that during interviews, Smith and Talbert claimed they were unaware of the dangers of using isopropyl alcohol on an infant’s skin or mucous membranes. However, police also cite inconsistencies in the parents’ statements and allege that this was not a one-time incident, but a pattern of negligent behavior that showed a “reckless disregard for the child’s life.”
Charleston Police Chief Tyke Hunt says, “This is one of the most heartbreaking cases we’ve seen. A baby’s life was lost due to dangerous misinformation and a total failure to seek proper medical care. It underscores the importance of education and accountability.”
The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources confirms it has had prior contact with the family, but declines to elaborate on the nature of previous interactions, citing ongoing legal proceedings and privacy laws. Court records also show the couple had a history of substance abuse and domestic disturbances, though no previous child endangerment charges were filed.
The baby’s death has sparked renewed concerns about the spread of harmful parenting advice online, where unverified home remedies often circulate without scientific backing. Pediatricians emphasize that rubbing alcohol should never be used on infants, especially near the mouth, as it can be rapidly absorbed through the skin and mucous tissues.
Dr. Erin Callahan, a pediatric toxicologist at WVU Medicine, warns, “Even small amounts of alcohol-based substances can be fatal to infants. Their bodies cannot metabolize ethanol the way adults can. We urge caregivers to consult licensed professionals, not social media or home remedies, for medical concerns.”
Smith and Talbert are being held without bail at the South Central Regional Jail and are scheduled to appear before a Kanawha County judge next week. Prosecutors say they will pursue charges of felony murder, child neglect resulting in death, and additional counts of reckless endangerment.
The case has left the Charleston community shaken and grieving. A memorial of flowers and stuffed animals now surrounds the family’s residence as neighbors express shock and sadness over the child’s preventable death.
As the investigation continues, authorities stress the importance of awareness and intervention when it comes to child welfare. “If something doesn’t feel right or looks harmful,” Chief Hunt adds, “speak up. It might save a child’s life.”
