ALACHUA COUNTY, Fla. — A Florida woman has been charged with aggravated manslaughter of a child after investigators determined her infant died from toxic levels of methamphetamine, according to the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office.
The investigation began on May 19, 2026, when the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office Combined Communications Center received a 911 call at approximately 8:19 a.m. from a mother reporting that her infant was not breathing.
Deputies and Alachua County Fire Rescue personnel responded to the residence and initiated lifesaving measures before the child was transported to a local hospital. Despite those efforts, the infant was pronounced dead by medical staff.
Detectives with the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, crime scene investigators and representatives from the Florida Department of Children and Families launched an investigation into the child’s death.
During the initial investigation, detectives executed a search warrant at the residence and recovered small amounts of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.
In the weeks that followed, investigators received findings from the Medical Examiner’s Office indicating the infant’s death was caused by toxic levels of methamphetamine found in the child’s system.
On June 10, detectives executed a second search warrant at the residence shared by the child and the child’s mother, 36-year-old Rebecca Lynn Morris. Additional evidence was collected for forensic analysis.
Later that day, detectives interviewed Morris and subsequently arrested her on one count of Aggravated Manslaughter of a Child.
She was transported to and booked into the Alachua County Jail.
“This is a heartbreaking case involving the loss of a child whose life was cut tragically short,” Sheriff Chad Scott said. “Our detectives conducted a thorough and deliberate investigation to ensure accountability in this case. We remain committed to seeking justice for this child and holding those responsible accountable for their actions.”
The investigation remains active and ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office Detective Bureau.