Share and Follow
Inset: Tamisha Cheyniece Drake (Angelina County/KFDM). Background: Davis Memorial Gardens in Cedar Grove, Texas (Google Maps).
Authorities in Angelina County, Texas, have detained 33-year-old Tamisha Cheyniece Drake. This county lies in the eastern part of the state, approximately 130 miles northeast of Houston. As reported by local Fox affiliate KFDM, the Angelina County Sheriff’s Office responded to an incident on Thursday involving a grave disturbance at Davis Memorial Gardens in the Cedar Grove region. Upon investigation, officials found that a newborn’s grave had been tampered with, according to the station’s report.
The remains of the child, along with the burial container, were missing, KFDM noted.
During their investigation, authorities traced the act back to Drake, who reportedly confessed to digging up her baby’s body. She explained to deputies that her child had tragically passed away at birth in February. Drake then guided investigators to an abandoned driveway where the body had been placed.
The investigation ultimately led to Drake, who reportedly admitted to deputies that she had indeed dug up the body of her baby, who she said did not survive childbirth and died in February. Drake then directed investigators to where they would find the body — in the driveway of an unoccupied residence.
The newborn was still inside the container she was buried in, KFDM reported.
Jail records show that Drake has been charged with felony abuse of a corpse. The charge is a state jail felony in the Lone Star State, the lowest level of felony possible. It carries a potential sentence of 180 days to two years behind bars.
Angelina County Jail records indicate that Drake remained in custody as of Sunday. Information about a future court date was not immediately available.