West Virginia authorities arrested a mother and father after their 4-month-old baby died with lethal levels of alcohol in her system. The parents allegedly rubbed alcohol on the infant’s gums to soothe her when she was fussy. This dangerous practice led to tragic consequences.
A Deadly Folk Remedy
Angel Talbert and James Smith face charges of murder, child neglect resulting in death, and conspiracy. The Braxton County Sheriff’s Department first learned about the baby’s death in November 2024. According to investigators, Smith told them that Talbert woke him between 4 a.m. and 5 a.m. She asked him to check on their daughter. He found the baby wasn’t breathing. She was lying face down in her crib. Without hesitation, Smith immediately called for Talbert to dial 911. He began performing CPR right away.
The use of alcohol for infant teething pain remains surprisingly common despite medical warnings against it. This case brings to light how easily accessible home remedies can turn deadly when parents aren’t properly informed about their dangers. What might begin as an attempt to soothe a distressed child can quickly lead to catastrophic outcomes when alcohol is involved.
The couple rushed their unresponsive child to Braxton County Memorial Hospital. An ambulance met them on the way. Despite the emergency workers’ life-saving efforts, the baby died at the hospital.
The Investigation Reveals Alcohol Poisoning
At first, both parents claimed their child hadn’t been sick. They insisted she had no health conditions that would explain her sudden death. The situation took a dramatic turn on April 10, 2025, when medical examiner results showed ethanol in the infant’s blood with a reading of 3.21. “That level of alcohol would be deadly for the baby,” stated medical experts.
Such high alcohol concentrations in an infant often indicate more than a single exposure. Pediatric toxicology research indicates that babies’ immature organs can’t process alcohol efficiently, making even small amounts potentially dangerous. For perspective, adult legal intoxication in most states begins at readings of 0.08, making the infant’s level nearly 40 times that threshold.
When deputies confronted the parents with these findings on April 14, Talbert and Smith claimed ignorance. They maintained they had no idea how alcohol entered their child’s system. The truth finally came out during follow-up interviews.
After further questioning, Talbert finally revealed the truth. Smith rubbed alcohol on the baby’s gums and around her mouth when she became fussy. When investigators questioned Smith separately, he eventually admitted both parents used this method to calm their daughter.
“Both had done this before and had done it almost every day for a month before their baby died,” according to court documents. This tragic case highlights the dangers of following outdated folk remedies. While many families pass down the practice of rubbing alcohol on babies’ gums for teething pain, modern healthcare providers strongly caution against it.
Dangerous Home Conditions Discovered
In addition to the fatal use of alcohol, deputies found troubling living conditions in the family’s home. They saw roaches “crawling in multiple places” during their visit, according to investigative reports. The home had no running water in the kitchen or bathroom.
Furthermore, investigators also found a smoking device. Smith admitted they used it to smoke THC.
Fatal Effects of Alcohol on Infants
People have used alcohol for teething pain for generations, yet medical professionals firmly condemn this practice. The reason is clear: babies absorb alcohol quickly through their gums and mucous membranes. Once applied, it enters directly into their bloodstream. “Parents should never apply alcohol to the gums as it can be poisonous to young bodies which are not developed enough to safely handle alcohol,” health experts warn.
The history of alcohol use for teething extends back centuries. In the 1800s and early 1900s, commercial products containing alcohol and sometimes even morphine were marketed specifically for teething babies. Some historical tonics contained alcohol percentages equivalent to strong whiskey. These products remained on shelves for decades before regulation caught up with their dangers.
Infants have small bodies and undeveloped livers. As a result, they cannot process alcohol like adults can. Even small amounts can poison them, and in severe cases, death can result. A baby’s developing brain is particularly vulnerable to the toxic effects of alcohol, which can quickly lead to respiratory depression, brain damage, and organ failure. This heartbreaking case demonstrates why parents should always follow medical guidance instead of relying on folk remedies. Modern pediatric dentistry offers numerous safe alternatives for teething discomfort that pose no risk to developing infants.
Legal Consequences
As a result of their actions, Talbert and Smith now face multiple serious charges for their daughter’s death. Cases involving infant deaths from folk remedies present unique challenges for prosecutors and defense attorneys alike. The legal system must balance intent against negligence, determining whether parents genuinely believed they were helping their child or if they showed reckless disregard for safety. In similar cases nationwide, charges have ranged from negligent homicide to second-degree murder depending on circumstances and evidence of prior warnings.
This tragic case serves as a powerful reminder to seek proper medical advice for infant care. For safer relief of teething pain, doctors recommend alternatives such as refrigerated teething rings, gentle gum massage with clean fingers, or infant-specific over-the-counter products. Pediatric dental organizations emphasize that modern teething gels specially formulated for infants provide safe numbing effects without alcohol’s dangers.
While folk remedies often seem harmless and well-intentioned, parents should always consult with healthcare providers before trying them. What appears to be innocent traditional wisdom can sometimes lead to devastating outcomes. Healthcare professionals increasingly recognize the importance of addressing outdated remedies during routine infant checkups, knowing parents often receive conflicting advice from family members. The criminal investigation continues as authorities build their case against the parents. Their decision to use alcohol as a teething remedy allegedly resulted in the ultimate tragedy: the loss of their infant daughter.