ST. LOUIS, MO – The life of a young child was put in jeopardy inside a St. Louis home, as a disturbing child abuse case unfolded, leaving neighbors and authorities shaken. A 22-year-old woman, Emma Rigdon, was convicted after recording and sharing videos in which she forcefully smothered her infant son, subjecting him to dangerous and traumatizing abuse.
According to court documents, the abuse occurred on April 15, 2024, at a residence on Warren Street. Rigdon was found to have pinched and slapped her infant son, actions that caused him to cry out in distress. More egregiously, she filmed herself pressing her hand over the child’s nose and mouth, restricting his ability to breathe. The videos reportedly captured the moments the baby struggled—arms and legs flailing—as he desperately tried to breathe.
In one video, Rigdon is alleged to have placed a blanket tightly over her son’s face, prompting him to cry and claw at the covering, fighting for air. She shared these recordings with a friend, along with chilling messages admitting to the acts and expressing deeply troubling sentiments about what she had done.
Court records reveal Rigdon texted her friend that these abusive actions gave her a sense of happiness and an “adrenaline rush.” She also reportedly wrote that she would “stop right before he dies,” and referenced incidents where the boy turned blue from a lack of oxygen. In another message, Rigdon wrote of wanting the child dead but not wanting to go to jail, stating chillingly, “He’s just gonna have to pay for his existence.”
Authorities intervened, and although the infant’s injuries were severe, he survived the ordeal. The current guardian or state of custody for the child has not been disclosed in public court documents.
On Friday, Rigdon pleaded guilty to two counts of abuse or neglect of a child. The court sentenced her to two concurrent five-year prison terms. However, the judge suspended the prison sentence, crediting her for the over 600 days already spent in jail. She will avoid additional incarceration but must adhere to strict conditions. Rigdon is required to complete an anger management course and is forbidden from contacting her victim.
As part of her plea agreement, she is now under supervised probation for three years. The court underscored the seriousness of the crimes and the need for a continued protection plan for the child.
The case underscores the hidden dangers faced by vulnerable infants and the crucial role of law enforcement and the judicial system in uncovering and penalizing such abuse. While the justice process has reached a resolution for the accused, questions remain about the long-term safety and welfare of the young victim as he recovers from both physical and emotional trauma.