DOUGLASVILLE, GA – A Douglasville woman, Uriha Ridge, has been detained and faces murder charges in relation to the death of her 3-year-old child due to “exposure to the elements,” as stated by the local Sheriff’s Office.
According to deputies from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Ridge was discovered in a wooded area alongside her two minor children, quite a distance from Fox Hall Resort. This hotel was their location prior to going missing.
The deputies report that both children were found “soaking wet” in conditions that had remained below freezing through the night. Ridge and her children were promptly rushed to a hospital, where, unfortunately, her 3-year-old lost his life. The cause of death is attributed to having been outdoors all night in the freezing temperatures.
Further investigation into the incident revealed the mother’s drug usage prior to and during their time in the woods. It emerged that Ridge had exited Fox Hall Resort around midnight on January 16 and failed to seek assistance until nearly 12 hours later.
Authorities speculate Ridge’s substance abuse played a part in her decision to lead her 3-year-old and 7-year-old into the frosty woods while dressed inadequately and remaining there for several hours. This resulted in the death of the toddler and subsequent hospitalization of the elder child.
Currently, Ridge is being detained without bond at Douglas County Jail on multiple charges such as felony murder, two counts each of first-degree child cruelty, and two counts of second-degree child cruelty.