by Louisville, KY – A heartbreaking incident unfolded on New Year’s Day in Louisville, Kentucky, when Amber Winstead, a 36-year-old mother, pleaded guilty to manslaughter after her 3-month-old son, Ki’Arri Rayne Winstead, tragically drowned in a motel bathtub.
The case has drawn significant attention as details emerge about the circumstances surrounding the infant’s death and Amber Winstead’s request to visit her son’s grave before her sentencing.
The Tragic Incident on New Year’s Day
On January 1, emergency responders were called to a Motel 6 on Airport Hotel Boulevard in Louisville around 4:30 a.m. There, they found baby Ki’Arri unresponsive in a bathtub. Investigations revealed that Amber Winstead had taken a bath with her infant son but fell asleep, allegedly under the influence of drugs. Hours later, she was awakened to find Ki’Arri submerged and not breathing. Despite efforts, first responders pronounced him dead at the scene.
- Victim: Ki’Arri Rayne Winstead, born September 24, 2024
- Location: Motel 6, Louisville, Kentucky
- Time: Early morning, 4:30 a.m.
- Charge: Manslaughter (pleaded guilty)
- Proposed sentence: Seven years imprisonment
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing Outlook
Amber Winstead entered a guilty plea to manslaughter last Friday. Prosecutors have requested a sentence of seven years in prison. In exchange, a persistent felony offender charge against her was dropped, streamlining the case for final judgment. She is scheduled to be sentenced on December 11.
“The situation is tragic all around,” Jefferson Circuit Court Judge Trish Morris stated with empathy during recent court discussions.
A Mother’s Wish for Closure
Winstead’s attorney, Bryce Dean, revealed that she was arrested just moments before her son’s funeral. He shared that Winstead has expressed a desire for house arrest prior to sentencing so that she can visit Ki’Arri’s grave for some measure of 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 reporters.
Judge Morris has indicated that she will consider this request, acknowledging the profound difficulty of the case.
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Remembering Ki’Arri: A Brief Life That Touched Many
Ki’Arri’s obituary paints a poignant picture of a child who brought joy and calm to all who knew him:
“Ki’Arri was a little angel, a miracle baby whose bubbly personality and infectious joy lit up every room he entered. He was a precious bundle of happiness, 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.”
Context and Further Information
Cases involving accidental drownings related to caregiver negligence are complex and emotionally charged. This incident highlights the dangers of co-bathing, especially when substances impair vigilance. For detailed coverage and ongoing updates on this tragic story, visit the original source at Law&Crime.
Conclusion
This case serves as a somber reminder of the critical importance of child safety and responsible caregiving, especially in vulnerable moments. The community, the court, and the family are seeking a path toward justice and healing amid profound loss.
What do you think about this tragedy and the legal outcomes? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
