Authorities in Michigan have charged Jose Roldan Jr., 40, and Ladesha Powe, 29, following the tragic death of their 6-month-old daughter, Faith Hope Roldan, who suffocated between cushions as her parents slept intoxicated. The incident occurred at the family’s Davis Street home on the night of December 13, 2023, authorities reported.
According to News Channel 3, Roldan and Powe admitted to consuming alcohol and smoking marijuana before the fatal incident. Roldan, who had consumed nine or 10 “tall boys” of beer, ended up sleeping on the couch, while Powe, in an intoxicated state, fell asleep next to him with Faith in her arms.
Footage from the family’s living room revealed the heartbreaking scene of Faith trapped between the couch cushions as her mother slept. The infant later became deprived of air when Roldan inadvertently shifted while sleeping. Despite Faith’s cries and movements, her parents remained unaware until it was too late.
Also, read: Ghanaian Army Chief Honored by Spain with Highest Police Award for Counterterrorism Efforts
Powe, upon waking, frantically searched for her daughter before returning to bed. Faith’s cause of death was determined to be mechanical asphyxia, ruled a homicide. Roldan and Powe now face charges of involuntary manslaughter and second-degree child abuse.
Kalamazoo County Prosecutor Jeff Getting emphasized the importance of parental responsibility, condemning the couple’s reckless behavior. “When you choose to use drugs or alcohol … you can’t do it while your kids are around and you certainly can’t do it while you’re responsible for caring for them,” Getting stated, as reported by WOODTV.com.
Roldan and Powe’s bond has been set at $100,000 cash/surety, with their next court appearance scheduled for late April. As authorities continue their investigation, the tragic loss of Faith serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of neglect and substance abuse within families.
