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Deputies arrest Ladson mother for infant's fentanyl overdose death

CHARLESTON COUNTY, SC (WCSC) – A Ladson mother has been charged by the Charleston County Sheriff's Office in connection with the death of her child in May.

Lexi Douglas, spokeswoman for the Charleston County Sheriff's Office, said Sara Shakeri-Taylor, 39, of Ladson, has been charged with child abuse.

Sara Shakeri-Taylor, 39, of Ladson, has been charged with child abuse.(Al Cannon Detention Center)

Officials say this stems from a May 15 911 call in which they were called to a home in the 4400 block of Hardwood Street after an unresponsive infant was reported.

Shakeri-Taylor was at home with the baby's father, 41-year-old Sandy Sharron Gathers, who had already been arrested during that call. Douglas said at the time that a second person was also charged, but officials would not release that information.

Sandy Sharron Gathers, 41, is accused of two counts of animal fighting and animal baiting; one count …
Sandy Sharron Gathers, 41, faces two counts of animal fighting or baiting, one count of conspiracy and 15 counts of unlawful possession of a weapon by a person convicted of a violent crime, officials said.(Al Cannon Detention Center)

Officers began life-saving measures on scene until fire and emergency services arrived. The toddler was taken to Summerville Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead.

An autopsy revealed no obvious injuries or cause of death for the baby, but a toxicology exam revealed that the baby had a large amount of fentanyl in her system. Her death was ruled a fentanyl overdose.

Officers collected evidence at the scene, including baby bottles, powdered milk and a pacifier, as well as a dollar bill with a powdered substance. This evidence was collected and sent to the South Carolina Department of Law Enforcement. Affidavits stated that all items tested positive for fentanyl.

“As a mother, it shocks me to see how careless and negligent people are with their children. This mother made a terrible decision and she is where she belongs,” said Sheriff Kristin Graziano. “The people of Charleston County should know that my officers are working hard to get people like this off the streets.”

Shakeri-Taylor was also charged with three counts of conspiracy, three counts of animal fighting or baiting, and one count of animal cruelty; these charges are similar to those against Gathers.

This is a developing story. Check back later for updates.

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