Springfield, MO – A Missouri father has been arrested and charged after allegedly placing a pillow over his two-month-old baby’s face, claiming he only did it “for a few minutes max” to block loud music and the smell of marijuana, according to Greene County court records. The incident has led to widespread concern and outrage over child safety and parental negligence.
The Incident: Pillow Found “Wiggling” on Bed
Authorities say the case began on Monday when a witness entered a bedroom inside Miguel Simmons’ home in Springfield and noticed a pillow on the bed “wiggling.”
When the witness lifted the “regular-sized” pillow, they discovered the infant girl underneath, struggling to breathe. The pillow, described in police reports as larger than the baby, had been covering her completely. The witness immediately intervened and called authorities, fearing the baby “would not have been able to breathe” if left any longer.
Police arrived at the scene shortly afterward and spoke with the witness. During the conversation, Simmons interrupted, telling officers, “She’s fine… she’s alive… I just put the pillow over her head for a few minutes max.”
Investigation and Police Findings
According to a probable cause affidavit, Simmons told police that he had recently changed and fed his daughter before placing the pillow on her face. He claimed that he did it because he didn’t want her to hear “loud music with bad words” that was playing in another room and to protect her from the smell of marijuana smoke.
“There was loud music, all these bad words,” Simmons reportedly said. “People were screaming in the living room.”
He added that the baby’s mother, two other adults, and several guests were inside the home when the incident occurred. Simmons allegedly admitted, “I know she can die from that, but I didn’t want to put it for a long time.”
Police records show that Simmons lived with his girlfriend, their baby, and two witnesses. At the time of the incident, others in the house were reportedly smoking marijuana and playing loud music.
Court Proceedings and Statements from the Father
Simmons, born in 2000, was arrested and charged with endangering the welfare of a child, a serious felony under Missouri law. During a follow-up interview at the Greene County Jail, Simmons provided more details about his actions and state of mind.
He told officers that he had just returned from work when he saw the witness smoking marijuana near the baby. Simmons claimed he moved the infant into his bedroom, laid her on the bed, and covered her with a blanket. He then allegedly placed the pillow “up to her chin” — not covering her face, according to his account — and said his intention was to make her “feel warm and safe.”
“It was to keep her nice and warm so she could feel like someone was holding her,” Simmons explained, adding that it would also “block the smell of the smoke and noise from the music.”
Investigators questioned whether the pillow could have actually helped with blocking sound or odor, to which Simmons replied, “Yes.” He also told police that as a first-time father, he “did not know it was a crime” and didn’t realize it could be dangerous.
Authorities confirmed that the infant survived and showed no visible injuries. However, the case remains under review by child welfare services.
Legal Context and Potential Consequences
Court records show that Simmons is being held on a $25,000 bond, with charges of child endangerment pending in Greene County Circuit Court. Missouri law classifies the offense as a Class D felony, which can result in up to seven years in prison if convicted.
Legal experts note that even though Simmons may not have intended to harm his child, reckless actions that place an infant’s life at risk meet the threshold for criminal prosecution. Prosecutors are expected to review whether additional charges should be filed.
The Greene County Prosecutor’s Office has not yet announced a court date for Simmons’ arraignment.
Community and Official Reactions
Local residents expressed disbelief at the father’s explanation. Many have taken to social media calling for stronger parenting education and child protection awareness.
Child safety advocates emphasize that placing pillows or blankets near infants significantly increases the risk of suffocation or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that newborns sleep on their backs on a firm surface, free from any soft bedding or objects.
Authorities are reminding parents that “safe sleep” guidelines are critical for infant health and that ignorance of such risks “cannot be an excuse for negligence.”
Ongoing Investigation and Next Steps
As the investigation continues, law enforcement officials are working with Missouri Child Protective Services to ensure the baby’s safety. Simmons remains in custody pending a court hearing.
Police have not clarified whether the baby’s mother will face any related charges, but officials confirmed that substance use and household conditions are part of the ongoing inquiry.
Conclusion
The case of Miguel Simmons has drawn attention to the dangers of improper infant care and the importance of parental awareness. While the baby survived without injury, prosecutors say the incident could have easily ended in tragedy.
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