JACKSON COUNTY

9-month old dies in hot minivan

Foster mother said she had taken prescription medication, forgot baby was in vehicle

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Wednesday, September 03, 2008

A 9-month-old girl died Tuesday after her foster mother said she forgot the infant inside a hot minivan for more than two hours, officials said.

Jackson County sheriff’s deputies are still investigating Wendy Osborne’s account. The 29-year-old Nicholson woman told Jackson County Sheriff deputies that she came home from a doctor’s appointment about 2:30 p.m., unloaded her two adopted girls but forgot about the baby in the car seat.

Recent headlines:

   • Metro and state news

Osborne, a foster parent for five years, said she took a nap, waking around 5 p.m. Maj. David Cochran of the sheriff’s department said at that point she remembered the baby in the minivan.

State Child Advocate Tom Rawlings identified the girl as Jessica Marie Scovil. The infant, who had lived with Osborne for five months, was pronounced dead by emergency personnel called to the scene, Cochran said.

Osborne told deputies she had been sick for several days and was prescribed medication for strep throat, which may have contributed to her drowsiness. A toxicology report has been ordered, and charges could be filed.

Two other foster children who had been living with Osborne were removed from the home, Cochran said.

The state Division of Family and Children Services, which oversees the foster care system, is also investigating the death, said spokeswoman Dena Smith. She said there had been no indications of problems with Osborne as foster mother.

Rawlings said if Osborne’s version is correct, he would tend to oppose criminal charges.

“I usually look at these kinds of situations as there but for the grace of God go I,” he said.

Related Subjects

Inside AJC.COM

Grade the Falcons

Rate the Falcons defeat of the Chargers in four categories, including offense and coaching.

World AIDS Day

See how the different nations spread awareness though rallies and remembrances.

Private Quarters - Splurge

Former Braves catcher Javy Lopez and his wife Gina show us their Suwanee home.

Macy's Tree Lighting

Been away for the holiday? Here's what you missed with the Atlanta's annual event.

Planning your meals

Back to a busy work week? Here are 10 delectable and easy dishes to fit into each day.

Weekend away

Which city's skyline is above? See where Metro Atlantans visited over the weekend.

Week in Entertainment

Ashton Kutcher. Demi Moore, Aretha Franklin, Idina Menzel, "The Shield," and more!

Year in Review

Remembering Skip Caray, Bernie Mac, Isaac Hayes and those who passed away.

My Style

Erin Edmond is a fan of bright colors, vibrant patterns and feminine silhouettes.

Search AJC Archives

1985 to present     1868 - 1939 Advanced search

Kudzu.com services Find the right people for the job

Keyword     Business Name

AJCPets » The community for Atlanta pet lovers

Do Good Search for non-profit causes near you