The mother pleads guilty in the case of the child’s death

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, N.C. (WWAY) — A Wilmington mother has been arrested and charged with the death of her child while sleeping filed a lawsuit in connection with the case.

Mackenzie Reed pleaded guilty to manslaughter last Thursday in New Hanover County Superior Court.

According to an investigation by the Wilmington Police Department, Reid (then 25) smoked marijuana and consumed THC gum before sleeping with her two-month-old son in October 2023. The officers answered her. home in the 800 block of Castle Street for an unconscious child who was not breathing. The rescuers failed to save the child.

According to the medical examiner’s office, Reid’s young son died of asphyxiation due to an unsafe sleeping environment.

A WPD investigation revealed that hospital staff and the Department of Human Services advised Reed of the dangers of co-sleeping.

In 2022, Reid gave birth to another child, who police say died the same way.

Reed was sentenced to 1-2 years behind bars and four years of probation.