Two people convicted of negligent homicide of their child

WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) – Two people pleaded guilty on Monday, November 4th in connection with the death of their 8-month-old child.

Mollie Fischer and Curtis Williams were sentenced to 20-36 and 30-48 months in prison, respectively, for negligent child abuse resulting in serious bodily harm and negligent homicide.

According to court documents and state evidence, the Brunswick County Sheriff's Office responded to a home in Leland on Jan. 28 for an unresponsive toddler. Fischer handed the child over and after life-saving measures were carried out, the child had already passed away and was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident.

It later emerged that the child had suffocated. When they learned their child had died, they went to the RV where they lived to retrieve personal items and began moving items around the crib and the bedroom where they all slept.

“According to law enforcement investigations, the baby was sleeping in his mother and father's bed and in a crib next to the bed. Fischer told law enforcement that they fell asleep around 11 or 12 p.m. the night before and didn't wake up until around 1 p.m. the next day. The Department of Social Services was involved with this family and their other children. “The parents were informed about safe sleep practices with the baby and their other children,” prosecutors wrote in a news release.

A blood sample taken that day revealed that there were prescription and non-prescription medications in her body.

“This is a tragic loss of life resulting from unfortunate circumstances resulting from the baby’s parents’ careless lifestyle and choices. This is a reminder to all parents to educate themselves about safe sleep practices and follow this routine diligently,” the DA’s office wrote.

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