Bixby, OK – A 31-year-old Oklahoma mother has been charged with child neglect after allegedly falling asleep drunk and accidentally smothering her 5-month-old baby, who was later found lifeless and gray, according to police. Authorities say the woman had consumed a six-pack of beer and a shot of rum before falling asleep on top of her infant son.
The Incident: Mother Allegedly Fell Asleep on Baby After Heavy Drinking
According to an affidavit from the Bixby Police Department, the tragedy unfolded on October 18, 2025, inside the family’s home in Tulsa County, roughly 22 miles south of Tulsa. The suspect, identified as Sarah Jamison, allegedly drank heavily that evening before going to bed with her baby boy.
Police reports state that Jamison told investigators she had consumed a six-pack of Voodoo Ranger Juice Force beer and a shot of rum before lying down. The child’s father, who returned home around 10 p.m., said he drank with Jamison for a while before she took the baby to bed.
When he later went to bed himself, he discovered the infant under Jamison’s shoulder, not breathing. He immediately began CPR and called 911 for help.
Investigation and Police Findings
Officers arrived at the residence around 5:45 a.m., where they found the baby gray, motionless, and not breathing. According to the probable cause affidavit, Jamison remained asleep until officers shined a flashlight on her, yelled, and shook her bed for nearly two minutes to wake her up.
The affidavit also stated that the smell of alcohol was strong in the air and that Jamison appeared disoriented and slurred her speech. When she realized what had happened, she reportedly said,
“If my kid is dead, I might as well be too.”
Jamison also allegedly told officers,
“I said I needed help. I tried to get help.”
Police noted that Jamison later admitted to suffering from postpartum depression and claimed she began drinking about six weeks after giving birth. She told investigators her struggles with this baby were worse than with her previous children.
Toxicology Results and Court Proceedings
Roughly three hours after police arrived, Jamison’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was measured at 0.309, nearly four times the legal driving limit of 0.08 in Oklahoma. Authorities say the level indicates extreme intoxication at the time of the incident.
The Tulsa County District Attorney’s Office has charged Jamison with child neglect, a felony under Oklahoma law. Court records show she is scheduled for arraignment on Wednesday, where prosecutors are expected to present further evidence regarding the incident.
Investigators are continuing to review the case to determine whether additional charges may be filed, pending autopsy and forensic results from the Oklahoma Medical Examiner’s Office.
Statements and Reactions
Law enforcement officials called the incident a preventable tragedy, emphasizing the dangers of co-sleeping while intoxicated. Police say that while there is no indication of intentional harm, Jamison’s actions reflected gross negligence and recklessness.
Neighbors in the Bixby community expressed sadness following the arrest. One resident described the event as “heartbreaking”, noting that Jamison’s struggles with postpartum depression had reportedly been visible in recent weeks.
Mental health advocates have since urged new parents experiencing postpartum depression or substance use issues to seek professional help. The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline and local crisis lines have been promoted by state health officials in response to the case.
Background and Legal Context
Under Oklahoma law, child neglect resulting in death can lead to a prison sentence of up to life if prosecutors upgrade the charges. Cases involving postpartum depression are often reviewed for mental health considerations, but they do not eliminate criminal responsibility when alcohol or drug use contributes to a child’s death.
Bixby police also highlighted the dangers of co-sleeping, particularly when parents are under the influence of alcohol. Pediatricians consistently warn that bed-sharing increases the risk of accidental suffocation in infants, especially under unsafe sleeping conditions.
Ongoing Developments and Next Steps
As of this week, Jamison remains free pending arraignment. Her legal defense team has not commented on the charges. The Department of Human Services is reportedly evaluating the safety of Jamison’s other children, who were not present at the time of the incident.
The investigation is ongoing, and the Tulsa County District Court is expected to set additional hearing dates following the arraignment.
Conclusion
The heartbreaking case of Sarah Jamison has renewed focus on the risks of alcohol use and postpartum depression among new parents. Authorities say they hope the case serves as a warning about the dangers of co-sleeping under the influence and the importance of seeking timely mental health support.
What are your thoughts on this tragic case? Share your opinions in the comments below.
