Parents who leave their children with a friend or loved one to babysit while they go to work have established a certain level of trust with them. Unfortunately, however, that trust is sometimes misplaced. Abusive behavior can go unchecked while moms and/or dads are away, and they might not even realize it until something catastrophic happens.
Tragically, a young infant in Michigan reportedly died after being under the care of her mother's girlfriend. The mom was at work when the incident happened. Now, the girlfriend is facing murder charges.
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Savannah Miller, 31, babysat 4-month-old Renzi McCall while the baby's mom was at work.
Savannah Miller, 31, was babysitting her girlfriend's 4-month-old daughter, Renzi McCall, July 21 in Reed City, Michigan, according to court documents, per Fox 17. When the mom, Amber McCall, got off work at 1:40 a.m., she tried to call and text Miller but received no answer.
Amber and a coworker arrived at the apartment but could not immediately get inside; they screamed and banged on the door until they finally woke Miller.
Court documents detailed Renzi's many injuries.
“Both females walked into the room and observed the baby in a Pack ‘n Play. The baby was laying on her back, face up, on the top of a blanket," court documents read, according to Fox 17. "The baby had bruises all over her body. Most notably, a very severe injury to her right eye, orbital, and bruises to her stomach, and bruises to her hip."
At that time, the baby was unresponsive. The coworker reportedly felt the baby's stomach.
"The baby wasn’t breathing at that point, but two seconds later the baby started to breathe," the document read.
Three days later, Renzi died.
Renzi was air-lifted to DeVos Children’s Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan, WZZM reported. There, she underwent surgery for swelling in her brain. Sadly, Renzi was taken off life support and died on July 25.
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Miller has since been charged with murder.
Initially, Miller was charged with child abuse; in the wake of Renzi's death, however, she has also been charged with murder and placed behind bars, WZZM reported. The charges so far include first-degree child abuse, second-degree child abuse, felony murder, and second-degree murder.
Miller admitted to drinking 10 mini shooters of Fireball the night Renzi sustained her injuries, a detective testified, according to Fox 17. She claimed the injuries happened because of a fall from a bed and a kitchen counter. Additionally, Miller claimed she accidentally slammed the infant's head into a “sharp edge” while walking out of the kitchen.
“She admits that she was the one in charge of the baby’s well-being at that time,” the court documents noted. “She said the entire night was very blurry.”
A GoFundMe campaign was started for Renzi's mom.
In the wake of Renzi's death, a GoFundMe page was started to help Amber financially with medical and funeral expenses.
“Renzi was a happy, smiling baby who brought immense joy to everyone around her. Amber is now facing unimaginable pain and grief,” the campaign's description reads. “We ask for continued prayers and support for Amber and her family during this incredibly difficult time.”
