Victim  MA, a 9-month-old boy, was repeatedly admitted to Children's Hospital because of recurrent life-threatening apnea. At 7 weeks of age, he experienced his first apneic event, and his mother administered mouth-to-mouth ventilation. Spontaneous respiration returned, and MA was hospitalized, treated, and discharged with a home monitor.

During the next 9 months, MA experienced 10 similar events and 7 more hospitalizations. Eight of the events required mouth-to-mouth ventilation. All of these episodes occurred while mother and child were alone, and only MA's mother witnessed the actual events. Two episodes occurred in the hospital.

Unfortunately, despite many tests and surgical procedures, MA's apnea persisted, and his growth slowed. Because of his persistent apnea and failure to thrive, MA received home nursing care. During these home visits, several nurses observed that MA would refuse to eat in his mother's presence. If she left the room, however, he would eat.

In time, both medical and nursing staffs became increasingly suspicious that Mrs. A was somehow responsible for her child's apnea. To better observe mother-child interaction, MA was moved to a hospital room equipped for covert audio-visual surveillance.

On the sixth day, the video clearly recorded Mrs. A bringing on the apnea by forcing the child into her chest, which caused him to lose consciousness. MA became limp and experienced a falling heart rate. Mrs. A then placed the baby back on the bed, called for help, and began mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.

The hospital immediately informed child protection services and police authorities, who reviewed the recording. Shortly thereafter, a team consisting of a physician, nurse, social worker, and police officer confronted the parents. At first, Mrs. A expressed disbelief at the suggestion that she smothered MA, but when she was informed of the video, she made no comment. She was then arrested.

Family History

Mrs. A was a 36-year-old occupational therapist and the mother of three boys. Late into her pregnancy with MA, she worked in an early intervention program for developmentally delayed children. During many of MA's hospitalizations, she appeared caring and concerned, but emotionally distant. Clearly, Mrs. A was the dominant parent, who made all decisions regarding medical treatment.

Followup

Mrs. A subsequently pled guilty to felonious, third-degree assault. At the time, she stated: "The only time I ever caused MA to stop breathing was in the hospital." She received 3 years' probation during which she was to receive psychotherapy. If she successfully completed psychotherapy, the felony charge would be reduced to a misdemeanor. She also had to live apart from her children and could only visit them in the presence of two adults.

MA had no further apnea, and at 24 months of age, he appeared vigorous, healthy, and normal. Eventually, the family was reunited.

This article is reprinted from the June, 1992 issue of the FBI's Law Enforcement Bulletin