Wyoming — A 2-month-old girl died after being found unresponsive inside a trailer that investigators say was filled with extreme heat, human waste, insects and illegal drugs.
Her grandfather, 57-year-old Travis Study, has been arrested in connection with the case and is facing one felony count of endangering a child through exposure to methamphetamine, along with misdemeanor charges including reckless endangerment, child endangerment, methamphetamine possession and marijuana possession.
The baby’s mother, 22-year-old Destynie Study, also faces misdemeanor charges of reckless endangerment and child endangerment.
Both defendants have pleaded not guilty.
Mother Says She Found Baby Unresponsive
According to investigators, Destynie Study told police that she fed and changed her daughter at approximately 1:30 a.m. on July 6. She said she went to sleep and woke around 9:45 a.m., when she discovered the infant unresponsive in her crib.
The mother reportedly used her father’s vehicle to rush the baby to Three Rivers Hospital while calling 911. But investigators said conditions at the hospital immediately raised concerns.
According to a probable cause affidavit, an “overwhelming smell of body odor, urine and feces” was reportedly coming from the mother’s person and the hospital room.
Investigators said a similarly strong odor came from the baby’s body. Her diaper was reportedly completely saturated with urine and contained at least one live insect.
Trailer Reportedly Reached 95 Degrees
Investigators later searched the family’s trailer and allegedly found conditions they described as deeply concerning. The trailer reportedly had no running water and no sewage disposal system.
Inside, investigators found a 5-gallon bucket containing human waste. They also reportedly discovered a crib saturated with urine and feces.
Perhaps most alarming was the temperature.
Investigators measured the inside of the trailer at approximately 95 degrees, creating potentially dangerous conditions for a young infant who was unable to regulate body temperature like an older child or adult.
The trailer was also reportedly infested with bugs.
Drugs Allegedly Found Near Living Area
Authorities also recovered suspected drugs and drug paraphernalia during their search.
Investigators reportedly seized more than 20 grams of marijuana along with a glass pipe containing residue that later tested positive for methamphetamine.
The grandfather is specifically facing a felony charge related to endangering a child through exposure to methamphetamine.
According to the Cowboy State Daily, Travis Study allegedly characterized the care he provided to his grandchildren as “normal grandpa stuff.”
Authorities, however, allege that the conditions in which the children were living presented serious risks.
Family Had Already Been Contacted by Authorities
The case has also raised questions about previous warnings involving the family.
According to investigators, the Wyoming Department of Family Services and Manderson police had contacted the family four times since April.
Those contacts reportedly involved concerns about living conditions, malnutrition and missed medical appointments. During an attempted contact in June, Travis Study allegedly became confrontational with authorities.
According to the affidavit, he allegedly told caseworkers and police to “get the f— off his property and never come back.” Investigators later returned following the infant’s death.
Grandfather Held on $75,000 Bond
Travis Study is currently being held at the Big Horn County Detention Center on a $75,000 cash-only bond. During his arraignment, Big Horn County Prosecuting Attorney Marcia Bean reportedly opposed a request to reduce the bond.
Bean cited Study’s previous criminal history and described the trailer as “some of the worst conditions law enforcement had seen.”
She also stressed that the investigation into the infant’s death remains ongoing.
Authorities are reportedly waiting for autopsy results, which could potentially lead to additional charges against one or both defendants.
Mother and Grandfather Face Separate Trials
Both Travis Study and Destynie Study have pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Travis Study’s trial is expected to be scheduled within 180 days, while Destynie Study’s trial is currently scheduled for December 8, according to the Basin Republican Rustler.
The criminal allegations remain unresolved, and additional charges could still be filed depending on the medical examiner’s findings.
The case has left investigators examining not only what happened on the morning the infant died, but also whether earlier intervention could have prevented the tragedy.
What are your thoughts on this case and the living conditions described by investigators? Share your reaction in the comments below.
