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Inset: Thalia Matos (Lackawanna County Jail). Background: Apartment in the 100 block of Fallbrook Street in Carbondale, Pennsylvania, where Matos” 2-month-old son died in a co-sleeping incident, authorities say (Google Maps).
In Pennsylvania, a 28-year-old woman has been taken into custody following the tragic death of her 2-month-old son, which authorities attribute to co-sleeping.
Thalia Matos is now facing charges of involuntary manslaughter and child endangerment in connection with the fatality of her infant son, Royce Coxson, according to court documents.
Local Fox affiliate WOLF reports that Royce’s death occurred in July at an apartment on Fallbrook Street in Carbondale, located near Scranton.
Details from a criminal complaint reveal that Matos confessed to sharing a bed with Royce and her 5-year-old daughter after using marijuana. Subsequent blood tests revealed the presence of THC contaminated with formaldehyde in Matos’ system. A neighbor reportedly informed the police that both Matos and her son emitted an odor similar to that of embalming fluid.
Additionally, Matos allegedly provided false statements to investigators, claiming she was alone with her children the night prior to Royce’s passing. However, security footage contradicted her account, revealing several individuals entering and leaving the apartment, as detailed in the affidavit.
A medical examiner reportedly concluded the cause of death was asphyxia by mechanical compression.
Matos slept in the same bed with her children despite attending an education course at a hospital about the dangers of co-sleeping, according to police.
“Co-sleeping, particularly when a caregiver is impaired by marijuana or other drugs, can have fatal consequences,” Lackawanna County District Attorney Brian Gallagher said in a statement to local ABC affiliate WNEP. “Infants depend entirely on adults for their protection, and when that responsibility is compromised, we will step in and hold caretakers accountable.”
Matos was arrested on Monday and has since posted $40,000 bail. Her next court date is set for Feb. 17.