Louisville, KY – A 36-year-old Kentucky mother who admitted to falling asleep while bathing with her 3-month-old baby, resulting in the infant’s drowning, has pleaded guilty to manslaughter and is awaiting sentencing. Amber Winstead now says she wants to visit her son’s grave before being sent to prison.
The Incident: Baby Drowns After Mother Falls Asleep in Motel Bathtub
According to Louisville Metro Police, officers responded to a Motel 6 on Airport Hotel Boulevard around 4:30 a.m. on January 1, 2024, after reports of an unresponsive infant. When officers arrived, they found baby Ki’Arri Rayne Winstead, just three months old, dead at the scene.
Investigators later determined that Winstead took a bath with her son while under the influence of drugs and fell asleep. When she woke up hours later, Ki’Arri was submerged in the water and no longer breathing.
Emergency responders pronounced the baby dead on-site, and police immediately began investigating the case as a possible negligent homicide.
Investigation and Legal Proceedings
Following a months-long investigation, Amber Winstead was charged with manslaughter and persistent felony offender status. She pleaded guilty on Friday, admitting responsibility for her son’s death.
Prosecutors have requested a seven-year prison sentence, according to local reports. However, as part of the plea agreement, the felony enhancement charge was dropped, reducing her potential sentence length.
Winstead’s defense attorney, Bryce Dean, told the court that his client has expressed remorse and a desire for closure before beginning her sentence.
“She would like to visit her child’s grave. She would like to have just a little bit of closure before she goes to DOC,” Dean said during the hearing.
Emotional Courtroom Moments
During Friday’s hearing, Jefferson Circuit Court Judge Trish Morris acknowledged the tragedy, saying she had “obvious empathy” for the grieving mother.
“The situation is tragic all around,” the judge said, adding that she would consider the defense’s request to allow Winstead to visit her son’s resting place before sentencing.
Court records show Winstead was arrested in a funeral home parking lot, moments before her son’s burial earlier this year. Her defense claims she has since entered treatment and is asking to remain on house arrest until her sentencing date.
Winstead is scheduled to be sentenced on December 11, 2025.
Background and Victim’s Memory
Ki’Arri’s obituary described him as a “little angel” born on September 24, 2024, to his “loving mother.”
“Ki’Arri was a miracle baby whose bubbly personality and infectious joy lit up every room he entered,” the obituary read. “He was always calm and content, bringing peace to those around him. He never cried, and his gentle, happy demeanor made him a perfect little guy who was loved deeply by his family.”
Friends and relatives have described the child’s death as a devastating loss for the family, and community members have since expressed condolences and calls for stronger addiction support services for parents struggling with substance abuse.
Broader Context: Parental Negligence and Drug Use
Experts say cases like Winstead’s highlight the dangers of impaired caregiving, particularly involving infants and water safety. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drowning remains one of the leading causes of unintentional death for children under five, often linked to parental negligence, fatigue, or intoxication.
Public safety advocates urge parents to avoid bathing with infants and to ensure constant supervision near water, especially when using substances that can cause drowsiness.
Ongoing Developments
As Winstead awaits sentencing, her attorney has filed a motion requesting temporary release under supervision to allow her to visit her child’s grave. The court has yet to rule on the request.
If the judge upholds the seven-year prison recommendation, Winstead will serve her sentence in the Kentucky Department of Corrections, with possible eligibility for parole after a portion of her term.
Conclusion
The case of Amber Winstead and her son Ki’Arri has left the Louisville community heartbroken. As the court prepares to issue its final sentence in December, many hope the case will serve as a tragic reminder of the dangers of substance use and the importance of child safety—especially for parents battling addiction.
What are your thoughts on this tragic case? Share your opinions and reflections in the comments below.
