Louisville, Kentucky – A Kentucky woman has been sentenced to nearly a decade in prison after her three-month-old son drowned in a motel bathtub while she was under the influence of drugs during the early hours of New Year’s Day.
Incident Overview
Amber Winstead, 36, was sentenced on Thursday to a total of nine years in prison for the death of her infant son, Ki’Arri Rayne Winstead. The sentencing follows her November guilty plea to manslaughter, stemming from a tragic incident that occurred at a Motel 6 on Airport Hotel Boulevard in Louisville on January 1.
Prosecutors said Winstead will serve seven years for manslaughter, along with an additional two years for violating parole related to a 2021 narcotics possession case. Under Kentucky law, she must serve 85 percent of the manslaughter sentence before becoming eligible for parole.
What Happened Inside the Motel Room
According to court records and statements from investigators, Louisville police officers were dispatched to the motel at approximately 4:30 a.m. after receiving a report of an unresponsive infant.
Police later determined that Winstead had brought her baby into the bathtub with her while she was impaired by drugs. At some point during the bath, she fell asleep, leaving the infant unattended in the water.
Hours later, another person in the room reportedly woke Winstead. By that time, Ki’Arri was submerged in the bathtub and not breathing. Emergency responders attempted to render aid, but the child was pronounced dead at the scene.
Charges and Plea Agreement
Winstead was originally facing more severe penalties. As part of her plea agreement, prosecutors dropped a persistent felony offender charge, which could have significantly increased her sentence if she had been convicted at trial.
She ultimately pleaded guilty to manslaughter, acknowledging her role in the circumstances that led to her son’s death.
Arrest Before the Funeral
Defense attorney Bryce Dean told the court that Winstead was arrested in a deeply emotional moment — in the parking lot of a funeral home, just before her son was to be laid to rest.
Dean requested that the court consider allowing Winstead to remain on house arrest briefly before reporting to prison, so she could visit her child’s grave and seek closure.
“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 told the court.
Judge’s Response
Jefferson Circuit Court Judge Trish Morris acknowledged the emotional weight of the case and said she had “obvious empathy” for the defendant. While expressing compassion, the judge emphasized the seriousness of the offense and the irreversible loss of life involved.
“The situation is tragic all around,” Judge Morris reportedly said during the sentencing hearing.
Court records do not make clear whether Winstead was ultimately permitted to visit her son’s grave before beginning her prison sentence.
Remembering Ki’Arri Rayne Winstead
An obituary for Ki’Arri Rayne Winstead, who was born on September 24, 2024, described him as a cherished and joyful child deeply loved by his family.
The obituary referred to Ki’Arri as a “miracle baby”, highlighting his calm demeanor and gentle presence.
“Ki’Arri was a little angel, a miracle baby whose bubbly personality and infectious joy lit up every room he entered,” the obituary read. “He was a precious bundle of happiness, always calm and content, bringing peace to those around him.”
Family members said the infant rarely cried and had a soothing presence that touched everyone who met him.
Broader Safety Concerns
Child safety advocates frequently warn about the dangers of bath-related accidents involving infants, especially when caregivers are impaired or exhausted. Medical professionals stress that babies should never be left unattended in a bathtub, even for a brief moment, and that substance use dramatically increases the risk of fatal accidents.
Authorities say the case serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly preventable situations can turn deadly.
Conclusion
Amber Winstead will now spend years in prison for a lapse in judgment that ended her infant son’s life. While the court acknowledged the tragedy on all sides, Judge Morris made clear that accountability was necessary given the circumstances surrounding Ki’Arri’s death.
The loss of the young child has left lasting scars on his family and underscores the devastating consequences of impaired caregiving.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse or caregiving challenges, resources are available to help prevent similar tragedies. Share your thoughts or experiences in the comments below.
