SCRANTON, PA — A six-month police investigation has led to felony charges against a Scranton woman in the death of her 6-week-old baby. Shayln Small, 32, was arrested Thursday and charged with involuntary manslaughter and endangering the welfare of a child.
According to a police report, patrol officers responded to a call on March 28 at 1316 Eynon St. for an infant who was not breathing. The baby did not survive.
Lackawanna County Coroner Tim Rowland ruled the death a homicide, prompting a full investigation by the Scranton Police Department’s Special Victims Unit. The investigation, which concluded Thursday, determined that the infant's death was a result of Small sleeping with the baby, and that Small's alcohol consumption contributed to the circumstances. An arrest warrant was obtained for Small, and she was subsequently taken into custody.