Milwaukee, Wisconsin — A Milwaukee woman is facing a serious felony charge after police say she admitted becoming frustrated with her 7-month-old daughter before the infant was found unresponsive at their home. Investigators allege the child’s death followed a pattern of abuse that had previously been witnessed by family members and others living in the residence.
Mother Charged Following Infant’s Death
According to the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office, Makenzie D. Critton, 22, has been charged with physical abuse of a child – repeated acts causing death.
The criminal complaint alleges the abuse occurred between June 1 and July 27.
Authorities say the investigation began Monday morning after Critton called 911, reporting that her 7-month-old daughter was not moving or responding.
Emergency responders arrived within minutes and found the infant without a pulse and not breathing. First responders performed CPR and were able to briefly restore a faint pulse before the child was transported to Children’s Wisconsin.
Infant Later Pronounced Dead at Hospital
Hospital staff continued lifesaving efforts after the child arrived, but despite prolonged attempts to revive her, she was pronounced dead later that day, according to investigators.
While emergency crews worked to save the baby, officers interviewed Critton about what had happened.
According to the complaint, she initially told investigators she had fed her daughter early that morning, changed her diaper, placed her in a car seat to sleep, and later discovered the infant unresponsive before calling 911.
Investigation Expanded After Family Statements
Police said the investigation took a significant turn after officers spoke with the child’s grandmother.
According to the complaint, the grandmother reported witnessing an earlier incident involving the baby and shared her concerns with investigators.
Detectives also interviewed other relatives and individuals who had lived with Critton.
The charging document alleges that several witnesses described multiple prior incidents of abuse, including claims that the infant had been struck, shaken, covered with a blanket, or squeezed during previous episodes.
Those allegations form part of the broader investigation outlined by prosecutors.
Police Say Defendant Made Admissions During Interview
According to the criminal complaint, officers later questioned Critton again about the events leading to her daughter’s death. Investigators allege she told officers, “I got frustrated.”
Police say she admitted becoming overwhelmed by the baby’s crying and acknowledged actions that investigators believe caused the child’s death.
The complaint further alleges that she told detectives similar conduct had occurred on previous occasions. Authorities arrested Critton following what investigators described as admissions made during the interview.
Case Moves Into the Court System
During a later custodial interview, police say Critton became emotional and allegedly stated, “I am going to jail for a long time.”
The charge against her alleges repeated acts of child abuse resulting in death, one of the most serious offenses under Wisconsin law.
The allegations outlined in the criminal complaint have not been proven in court, and Critton is entitled to the presumption of innocence as the criminal case proceeds.
Prosecutors are expected to present evidence during upcoming court proceedings as the investigation continues.
What are your thoughts on this case? Do you believe more resources are needed to help parents experiencing overwhelming stress before situations escalate into tragedy? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
