A South Carolina woman named Sara Shakeri-Taylor, has been charged with homicide by child abuse following the death of her 10-month-old daughter, Aminah Gathers, who died from a fentanyl overdose. The Charleston County Sheriff’s Office announced the charges, with toxicology tests confirming the presence of fentanyl in Aminah's system.
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| Sara Shakeri-Taylor. Photo: Charleston County Jail |
The incident occurred on May 15 when deputies responded to a call about an unresponsive child at Shakeri-Taylor’s home on Harwood Street. Despite efforts by deputies to provide emergency care, Aminah was declared dead at a local hospital later that night. At the scene, evidence included baby bottles, formula, a pacifier, and a dollar bill with a powdery substance suspected to be fentanyl which were sent for forensic analysis.
Sheriff Kristin Graziano criticized Shakeri-Taylor’s alleged negligence, stating, “As a parent, it shakes me to my core to see people be so careless and negligent with their children.” Shakeri-Taylor was initially held at the Dorchester County Detention Center and later transferred to the Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center on August 23.
During the investigation, authorities discovered 15 dogs on the property, including items associated with dog fighting. A search warrant executed on May 29 revealed two dogs, one of which was deceased. The remaining dogs were taken to the Charleston Animal Society, and various dog fighting-related items were seized.
Aminah’s father, who was also involved, was found at another residence in Ladson on June 4. He faces charges including animal fighting, conspiracy, and unlawful possession of firearms. Shakeri-Taylor has been charged with conspiracy, animal fighting, and ill-treatment of animals.
The case is ongoing, and it is not yet clear if Shakeri-Taylor and Gathers have legal representation
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