GASSAWAY, WV – A West Virginia couple is facing multiple serious charges after their infant daughter died with a lethal level of ethanol in her system. Prosecutors allege that James Joseph Smith and Angel Talbert applied alcohol to the infant’s gums regularly, causing the tragic death. Both have been charged with first-degree and second-degree murder, child neglect resulting in death, and conspiracy against the state.
The incident unfolded on November 16, 2024, when officers from the Braxton County Sheriff’s Department were called to Braxton County Memorial Hospital regarding a deceased infant. Located roughly 70 miles from Charleston, police arrived to find a child who appeared to have been lying face down.
Law enforcement soon made their way to the couple’s residence on Tunnel Fork Road in Gassaway to uncover more details. During questioning, Smith claimed he discovered the infant face down and unresponsive between 4 a.m. and 5 a.m. He said he urgently asked Talbert to contact emergency services. The couple drove the child to the hospital, meeting an ambulance en route, which continued to attempt resuscitation. However, medical staff declared the infant dead at 5:32 a.m.
Further complicating the situation, Talbert supported Smith’s account, maintaining that the child had no known health issues before the incident. Upon investigation, authorities noted the home’s deplorable state, citing insect infestations and the lack of basic utilities. Smith explained that they relied on a rear spigot for water, ferrying supplies to the bathroom and kitchen.
The case took a turn on April 10 when the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner released toxicology results. The infant’s liver tissue tested positive for ethanol at a level deemed fatal. This prompted authorities to return to the couple on April 14 to discuss these findings.
Initially, both parents claimed to be perplexed about how their child ingested alcohol, maintaining her good health and the absence of any medication regimen. However, a subsequent interview two days later revealed a damning confession.
Investigators learned from Talbert that, following the April 14 interview, Smith privately admitted to applying alcohol to the child’s gums to calm her when she was irritable. Further admissions revealed this practice was frequent, lasting nearly a month prior to the infant’s death.
As of now, Smith and Talbert remain detained at the Central Regional Jail without bail as they await further legal proceedings. The community is left grappling with the devastating details as the investigation continues to unfold.