Newborn Dead Because Parents Hadn’t ‘Got Around To’ Building Crib, Slept With Him: Cops

The parents of a newborn baby in Pennsylvania have been arrested following the tragic death of their child. Authorities claim the couple failed to set up a bassinet or crib for the baby and allowed him to sleep in their bed, where he later died. Ashley Susana Usadel, 31, and Travis Scott Smart, 34, were arrested on April 10 and are facing charges, including child endangerment, in connection with the death of their newborn son, Zane Scott Usadel-Smart. Usadel also faces an additional charge of involuntary manslaughter.

Tragic Incident at Home in Sunbury

The Sunbury Police Department responded to a call at approximately 2:30 a.m. on April 10, regarding an unresponsive infant at a home on North Sixth Street. When officers arrived, they found the baby lying face-up on a bed in the living room, with the father, Travis Smart, attempting to perform CPR. First responders quickly took over lifesaving efforts, but Zane was ultimately pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities contacted the Northumberland County Coroner’s Office and Children and Youth Services to investigate further. Both parents were taken to the police station for questioning, where details surrounding Zane’s death began to emerge.

Parental Statements Raise Questions

During the investigation, Ashley Usadel told detectives that she had laid down with Zane at about 9:30 p.m. the previous evening. She claimed that while breastfeeding the baby, she fell asleep with him in her arms, and later woke up to find Zane unresponsive next to her on the bed. Usadel explained that she believed Zane had rolled off her arms and onto the bed while she slept.

At the scene, authorities noticed a “large discoloration” on Zane’s forehead, raising concerns about the circumstances surrounding his death. Usadel also admitted that she had not set up Zane’s usual sleeping arrangement, a “Pack ‘n Play,” that evening. Meanwhile, Travis Smart stated that he had fallen asleep in the same bed as Usadel and the baby around 11 p.m. He confirmed that Usadel typically followed the bedtime routine but added that the couple had not yet set up a crib or bassinet for Zane, noting they “hadn’t gotten around to it.” Smart’s statement, coupled with the lack of a proper sleeping arrangement for the baby, has drawn further attention to potential negligence.

Investigation and Charges

Authorities found three other children in the home, who were subsequently placed in the care of Children and Youth Services. A search warrant was executed at the residence, and investigators collected items such as pillows, blankets, and clothing that may offer further evidence into Zane’s death. Both parents have been booked into the Northumberland County Jail. Usadel’s bond was set at $50,000, while Smart’s bond was set at $10,000. The charges against the couple stem from their failure to provide a safe sleeping environment for their newborn, which led to the child’s tragic death. As the investigation continues, the case has highlighted the importance of ensuring proper sleeping arrangements for infants to prevent avoidable fatalities.