CHARLESTON, WV – A West Virginia couple is facing serious charges after the tragic death of their four-month-old daughter. Authorities allege that the infant died after being exposed to a lethal amount of alcohol, which the parents reportedly applied to the baby’s gums in an attempt to soothe her.
Angel Talbert and James Smith welcomed their daughter in July 2024, but by November, the infant had tragically passed away. According to court documents, on November 16, Talbert discovered her daughter unresponsive and not breathing. Smith attempted CPR while Talbert contacted emergency services. Despite efforts to revive her, the child was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Initially, both parents claimed their baby had no health issues, describing her as healthy. However, the autopsy revealed troubling findings, including a high ethanol level of 3.210, which experts say is fatal for infants. This discovery led investigators to question the circumstances surrounding the child’s death.
During their investigation, authorities noted appalling living conditions in the family’s home. They reported seeing widespread roach infestations and found the house lacked running water. A spigot outside was allegedly used to collect water for household needs. Additionally, investigators found a device used for smoking THC, which Smith reportedly admitted to using.
The case took a significant turn in April 2025 when the state’s medical examiner confirmed the presence of ethanol in the baby’s blood. When confronted, the parents initially denied knowledge of how alcohol could have entered their daughter’s system. However, Talbert later confessed that Smith had been applying alcohol to the baby’s gums to calm her. Smith corroborated this, stating that both parents had been administering alcohol to the child almost daily for a month.
Both Talbert and Smith have been arrested and charged with first-degree murder and child neglect resulting in death. The case has drawn significant attention, highlighting the dangers of misguided parenting practices and the severe consequences of neglect.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the community grapples with the heartbreaking loss of a young life and the troubling circumstances that led to it. This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of safe caregiving and the need for vigilance in protecting vulnerable children.