MUNCIE, IN – A tragic event has occurred in Indiana, as a 21-year-old woman has been charged following the death of her newborn baby with whom she was co-sleeping. This incident, which occurred in October 2023, marks the second time in four years where one of her newborns has died under similar circumstances.
Authorities said Aaliyah Lykins of Muncie fell asleep while breastfeeding her two-week-old infant. Court documents obtained by local media revealed that upon the arrival of first responders, Lykins allegedly exclaimed, “Oh no, I did it again.” Unfortunately, despite their best efforts, the baby, named Addilynn Lykins, was pronounced dead at the hospital.
According to a court affidavit, the child appeared to be lifeless with no signs of respiration when medics found her. The affidavit also states that Lykins was fully aware of the risks associated with co-sleeping with an infant, having previously experienced a similar tragedy.
Four years prior, Aiden Lykins, the 7-week-old son of Lykins, tragically died when she slept in the same bed with the infant. Lykins admitted she knew it was inappropriate and risky to share a bed with her newborn but did not face charges regarding the previous incident.
However, earlier this month, she was charged with reckless homicide and child neglect, both felonies. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises parents to sleep in the same room with their newborns, but not in the same bed due to associated risks.