Creston baby drowned at the hands of her mother

April 29, 2016

A newborn baby who died in a bathtub shortly after birth on Saturday drowned at the hands of her mother, according to the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff Coroner’s Office. The mother also died on Saturday, and the cause of her death has been ruled severe blood loss.

Investigators have not stated whether they believe the mother murdered the baby. However, the county sheriff’s office stated in a press release that no criminal charges will be filed since both the mother and daughter are dead.

Early Saturday morning, Brandy Stanton, 37, was taking a bath at her Creston home when she began yelling for help. A relative then discovered Stanton and the baby she had just delivered in severe medical distress and called 911. Emergency personnel transported Stanton and her newborn to Twin Cities hospital in Templeton, where they were both pronounced dead.

Following the incident, the sheriff’s office stated deputies found no evidence of foul play.

This week, the coroner’s office conducted autopsies for both Stanton and the baby. Before ruling on the causes of death, coroner’s investigators factored in evidence from the scene, as well as interviews and autopsy results.

Investigators determined Stanton gave birth in a tub filled with water, and the baby took a breath or breaths above water before drowning. Investigators also said Stanton physically separated the umbilical cord from her body and stayed awake for a prolonged period after the birth.

The sheriff’s office says evidence suggests that Stanton’s family had not been aware of the pregnancy.