The mother of an infant who was severely beaten to death in Athens has been arrested and charged with capital murder.
The Limestone Sheriff’s Office responded to a home at 12:38 a.m. on Friday in the 15000 block of Estate Drive in Athens.
Upon arrival, they discovered an infant who had been severely beaten and showed no signs of life. After taking life-saving measures, first responders were able to regain a pulse, but once the child was transported to the hospital, the infant died.
Meanwhile, investigators determined the baby’s mother, Morgan Skye Thornton, was responsible for what they described as a brutal assault. She was charged with capital murder.
Detectives on the scene said Thornton appeared to be under the influence. They obtained search warrants for the residence and for a blood sample.
Sheriff Joshua McLaughlin asked for prayers for everyone involved in the response.
“Please keep this family and everyone who responded to this heartbreaking scene in your prayers,” McLaughlin said. “While the outcome is devastating, I’m incredibly proud of our deputies, firefighters, EMTs, hospital staff, and DHR workers who did absolutely everything in their power to save this innocent child. Their dedication and compassion in the face of such horror reflect the very best of public service.”
Thornton remains in the custody of the Limestone County Jail, pending an Aniah’s Law hearing.
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