Rising Sun, Maryland – A 24-year-old Maryland woman is facing multiple murder and child abuse charges after police say her 5-week-old daughter died from blunt force trauma following a night in which the mother documented herself drinking heavily and sending Snapchat videos while caring for the infant.
Infant Found Unresponsive After Night of Drinking
According to Maryland State Police, Destiny Faith Chiveral, 24, was arrested after first responders were called to a residence in Rising Sun on the morning of December 4. Chiveral told authorities she woke up around 9 a.m. and found her infant daughter, identified as K.C., unresponsive.
Paramedics arriving at the scene immediately noticed troubling signs.
“The infant was cold, lifeless, and had clearly been deceased for some time,” police wrote, adding that the baby had “slight rigor mortis” and her legs could not be extended.
K.C. was pronounced dead at 9:17 a.m., and the Maryland State Police Homicide Unit took over the investigation.
Autopsy Reveals Blunt Force Trauma
An autopsy later ruled the baby’s death a homicide, determining the cause to be blunt force trauma. Investigators cited bleeding at the back of the brain and other signs of physical injury inconsistent with an accidental death.
Chiveral initially told police the baby may have rolled between couch cushions, but investigators said the injuries did not support that explanation.
Snapchat Videos Document Hours Before Death
Court documents later obtained by local outlet Cecil Whig revealed investigators seized Chiveral’s phone and reviewed a series of Snapchat videos recorded between 11:06 p.m. on December 3 and 1:34 a.m. on December 4.
Detectives say the videos show Chiveral becoming increasingly intoxicated while caring for the infant. In several clips, the baby can be heard crying in the background.
In one video, police say Chiveral struggled with a baby gate while vaping and drunk, stating:
“I’m too (expletive) drunk for that. I’m just going to (expletive) climb over the (expletive).”
Another clip recorded while Chiveral was in the bathroom captured her saying:
“I don’t know if you hear the (expletive) baby trippin’ in the background.”
Last Video Shows Baby Alive, Scene Disturbed
The final Snapchat video, recorded at 1:34 a.m., shows the baby alive. However, investigators noted a framed picture on the wall, which appeared straight earlier in the night, was later seen significantly ajar, raising concerns about a possible struggle or impact.
Police say this video establishes the last known time K.C. was alive.
Alcohol Use Contradictions Raise Concerns
Chiveral told police she consumed one drink and one Smirnoff shot, but investigators found a nearly empty bottle of vodka inside the residence.
A witness told police the bottle had been almost full when placed in the freezer just days earlier and belonged to Chiveral.
Based on video evidence and witness statements, detectives concluded Chiveral was highly intoxicated while responsible for the newborn.
Second Interview and Changing Explanations
After learning her daughter’s death was ruled a homicide, Chiveral was interviewed again. She denied intentionally harming the baby, telling police:
“I swear I never did anything to her… I would never do that.”
She then suggested she might have sleepwalked while intoxicated, claiming she had a history of doing so when drinking. She also speculated she could have kicked the baby while they slept together on the couch.
Chiveral additionally suggested her toddler might have caused the injuries, but police confirmed the child was at their father’s home that night.
During the interview, Chiveral reportedly said:
“Nothing I say is going to fix this, is it? No matter what, I’m going to be blamed for her death, ain’t I?”
Charges and Custody Status
Chiveral has been formally charged with:
- First-degree murder
- Second-degree murder
- Child abuse resulting in the death of a child under 13
- Child abuse resulting in severe bodily injury
She is currently being held without bond at the Cecil County Detention Center. Her next court appearance is scheduled for January 9, 2026.
Investigation Ongoing
Authorities say the investigation remains active as prosecutors prepare the case. The charges stem from physical evidence, medical findings, digital records, and witness testimony outlining the hours leading up to the infant’s death.
Anyone with additional information related to the case is encouraged to contact Maryland State Police.
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