Fort Wayne, Indiana — An Indiana mother has admitted to neglecting her 2-month-old daughter, whose death investigators say occurred after the infant became trapped beneath a couch cushion while her mother slept. The guilty plea brings the criminal case closer to its conclusion more than a year after the heartbreaking incident.
Mother Pleads Guilty in Infant’s Death
Court records show that Quinzena Rancefer pleaded guilty on Monday to neglect of a dependent causing serious bodily injury as part of a plea agreement, canceling her previously scheduled jury trial.
The charge stems from the death of her 2-month-old daughter on March 25, 2024, inside the family’s apartment in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
According to investigators, Rancefer told authorities that her daughter normally slept in a nearby bassinet. However, on the night of the incident, she kept the infant beside her on the couch after falling asleep while holding the child.
She reportedly placed the baby between herself and the back of the couch, believing it would prevent the infant from rolling off the furniture.
Baby Found Trapped Beneath Couch Cushion
Authorities said the tragic situation was discovered when Rancefer’s cousin arrived at the apartment.
According to investigators, the cousin found the baby face down and lying mostly underneath a couch cushion. He reportedly struggled to wake Rancefer and struck her several times before she finally responded.
Realizing the infant was not breathing, the cousin immediately sought help. Police and emergency medical personnel responded to the home after receiving reports of a child in critical condition.
Despite their efforts, the baby was pronounced dead at the scene.
Medical officials later determined the cause of death was asphyxia due to overlay and wedging, a form of suffocation that can occur when an infant becomes trapped or compressed while sleeping.
Investigation Revealed Additional Concerns
As detectives continued investigating the apartment, they executed a search warrant that uncovered several items of concern.
According to authorities, investigators located a glass pipe containing burnt residue, a torch lighter, suspected marijuana, and prescription pills inside the residence.
Police also reported that Rancefer tested positive for methamphetamine after submitting to an oral drug screening.
During the investigation, an Indiana Department of Child Services case manager reportedly determined that the infant had been exposed to drugs before birth and had THC in her system, according to local reports.
Authorities have not indicated that additional criminal charges related to those findings were filed in connection with the child’s death.
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Sentencing Scheduled for September
With her guilty plea now entered, the case will move to the sentencing phase.
Court records indicate that Rancefer is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 18. The plea agreement avoids a jury trial, but the court will ultimately determine the penalty she faces under Indiana law.
The case has also renewed attention on safe infant sleep practices, with health experts consistently recommending that babies sleep alone, on their backs, in a safety-approved crib or bassinet, rather than on couches, sofas, or adult beds where the risk of suffocation is significantly higher.
As the legal proceedings continue, the tragic loss serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences that can result when unsafe sleep environments and other risk factors combine.
What are your thoughts on this case? Do you think more education about safe sleep practices could help prevent similar tragedies? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
