Kansas City woman accused of placing her baby in an oven faces new manslaughter charge
A Jackson County grand jury has charged a Kansas City woman, who allegedly said she accidentally placed her baby in an oven, with involuntary manslaughter.
Mariah Thomas, 26, was charged in Jackson County Circuit Court earlier this year with one count of first-degree endangering the welfare of a child. She pleaded not guilty to the charge. On Thursday, a grand jury added a count of first-degree involuntary manslaughter in a superseding indictment.
The new charge comes as Thomas’ trial is scheduled to begin Jan. 13.
Her child, a 1-month-old infant, was declared dead Feb. 9 after first responders descended on a home in the 4100 block of Forest Avenue in the Manheim Park neighborhood. The infant had burn marks on her body and melted clothing, according to court documents.
One witness said Thomas had summoned him back to the home where they were living, and found the residence smelled of smoke.
Thomas allegedly said, “I thought I put (redacted) in her crib and I accidentally put her in the oven,” according to court documents.
Thomas remains in custody on a $100,000 bond, according to jail records.
The Star’s Kendrick Calfee, Bill Lukitsch and Laura Bauer contributed reporting to this story.
