Authorities say a South Carolina mother has been charged with homicide by child abuse after feeding her 17-month-old daughter a teaspoon of salt.

Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office spokesman Lt. Kevin Bobo said that doctors told them the salt caused the toddler to have seizures and a high fever and become unresponsive. She died Wednesday after being taken off life support.

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The mother, Kimberly Martines, 23, admitted to the act. Solicitor Barry Barnette said Martines told him that she was trying to "get her husband back into her life," according to WECT. The two are separated.

Arrest warrants noted she went to the doctor in November and ignored the pediatrician's referral to another doctor because the baby was not gaining weight and to an agency that helps babies who are slow to develop.

Deputies say a twin sister and second sibling are in protective custody.

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In this file photo from October 2024, Atlanta Braves outfielder Jorge Soler and teammates react after losing to the San Diego Padres 5-4 in San Diego. The Braves and Soler, who now plays for the Los Angeles Angels, face a lawsuit by a fan injured at a 2021 World Series game at Truist Park in Atlanta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason.Getz@ajc.com