Mother charged with death of her 10-month-old daughter

CHARLESTON COUNTY, SC (WCSC/Gray News) – A mother has been charged in the death of her 10-month-old daughter, Aminah.

In May, authorities were called to a home after an unresponsive infant was reported.

Sara Shakeri-Taylor, 39, was at home with Aminah's father, Sandy Sharron Gathers, 41, who was arrested that day.

According to affidavits, Gathers told investigators he came home from work and found Shakeri-Taylor sleeping and the baby lying motionless on her stomach at the foot of the bed.

Officers performed life-saving measures on the baby until firefighters and rescue workers arrived.

Aminah was taken to hospital where she was pronounced dead.

The autopsy revealed no obvious injuries or cause of death on the baby, but a toxicology test revealed that the baby had a large amount of fentanyl in its body.

Aminah’s cause of death was determined to be a fentanyl overdose.

Officers seized evidence at the scene, including baby bottles, powdered milk, a pacifier and a $1 bill containing a powdered substance.

According to affidavits, 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 Charleston County Sheriff Kristin Graziano. “The people of Charleston County should know that my officers are working hard to get people like this off the streets.”

Coroner Bobbi Jo O'Neal said Aminah's death was preventable.

“She is the victim of a failed system, a fentanyl epidemic and unimaginable neglect by those who were responsible for her care. Aminah will not be forgotten as we seek justice for her and do everything we can to prevent this from happening to other children in our community,” she said.

While investigating this death, detectives found evidence of dog fighting, including tied and caged pit bulls, as well as photographic and video evidence of the crimes, which led to additional charges.

The couple allegedly ran their dog fighting event under the guise of an unlicensed kennel.

Shakeri-Taylor was arrested and charged with manslaughter by child abuse, three counts of conspiracy, three counts of animal fighting or baiting, and one count of animal cruelty.

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