Norfolk, Virginia — A Virginia woman has been sentenced to more than a decade in prison after pleading guilty in the death of her 3-month-old granddaughter, who died after ingesting adult prescription medication while in her grandmother’s care.
The case, which centered on the tragic death of infant Skylar in 2024, concluded Friday when a Norfolk judge imposed a lengthy prison sentence while acknowledging the devastating loss suffered by the family.
Grandmother Sentenced in Infant’s Death
According to court records, Alvetta Juanita Haskins, 51, pleaded guilty to felony homicide in connection with the infant’s death.
Judge Jamilah LeCruise sentenced Haskins to 30 years in prison, suspending 17 years and three months of that sentence.
As a result, Haskins is expected to serve at least 12 years and nine months behind bars. The incident occurred in April 2024 while Haskins was caring for her infant twin grandchildren at her Norfolk apartment.
Prosecutors Say Prescription Medication Was Mixed Into Baby Bottle
According to prosecutors, Haskins added her prescribed antipsychotic medication, along with cough syrup, into the baby’s bottle before feeding her granddaughter.
Investigators believe the medication was given in an effort to quiet the infant, although prosecutors acknowledged they could not determine Haskins’ exact motivation.
Later that night, Haskins found the baby unresponsive and immediately called 911 before attempting CPR.
Emergency responders transported the child to Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters, where doctors later pronounced the infant dead.
A toxicology report later concluded that Seroquel, a medication prescribed to Haskins for anxiety and depression, caused the baby’s death.
The report also detected the presence of an over-the-counter antihistamine commonly used for cold symptoms.
Defendant Says the Tragedy Was an Accident
Throughout the investigation, Haskins maintained that she never intended to harm her granddaughter.
She told investigators she believed she had mixed baby formula with adult Tylenol because she thought the infant had a stuffy nose. During sentencing, Haskins became emotional while addressing the court.
“I wish I could take it all back but I can’t. That was my family, my blood. I didn’t know it was the wrong medication till the detective and my daughter told me so.”
She also explained that she had been arguing with her boyfriend while preparing the bottle and said she stored all of her medications together.
“I was trembling,” Haskins told the judge.
Prosecutors argued that Haskins initially failed to disclose giving the medication during interviews with investigators.
Prosecutors Stress Medication Safety
Commonwealth’s Attorney Ramin Fatehi used the case to emphasize the dangers of giving prescription medications to infants without medical guidance.
“Babies are not adults, and they should never be given prescription medication except by a doctor’s order.”
Fatehi added that had the child survived, prosecutors would have pursued felony child neglect charges, but because the infant died, the appropriate charge became felony homicide.
He also stressed that anyone responsible for caring for children must exercise extreme caution when administering any medication.
Judge Acknowledges Family’s Lasting Loss
While delivering the sentence, Judge LeCruise noted that no punishment could undo the devastating consequences of the tragedy.
“Regardless of the sentence I pronounce, her granddaughter will never be able to enjoy life.”
As Haskins was escorted from the courtroom following sentencing, several family members, including her daughter, told her they loved her.
Although the criminal case has concluded, the tragedy leaves behind a grieving family mourning the loss of a child whose life ended far too soon.
What are your thoughts on medication safety around young children? What steps do you think families can take to help prevent similar tragedies? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below.
