California Mom Faces Murder Charges for Alleged Meth-Laced Breast Milk

BananaStock/Thinkstock(HUMBOLDT, Calif) -- The Humboldt County District Attorneys Office has filed a murder charge against 26-year old Maggie Jean Wortman on allegations she killed her 6-week-old son by feeding him methamphetamine-laced breast milk.

The Times Standard reports Wortman was originally facing charges of involuntary manslaughter and felony child endangerment on July 20, but the DA’s office recently decided to file a murder charge in light of evidence presented during the hearing.

Detectives originally arrested Wortman after a two month investigation determined her son died in November due to “methamphetamine toxicity.” Wortman's 19-month-old daughter is reportedly in protective custody after she also tested positive for methamphetamine.

Wortman is currently being held in the Humboldt County jail without bail.

Reacting to the DA’s decision Tuesday, Wortman’s attorney M.C. Bruce says the facts of the case don’t support the charge.

She faces a maximum prison sentence of nine years if convicted on all counts.

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