Lafayette couple jailed after baby’s death

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) – Two Lafayette parents are in jail after the death of their 3-week-old child.

According to court documents, a 3-week-old baby was found not breathing in between two couch cushions on June 28, 2015.

Last week, police arrested the parents of the baby – 30-year old Sara Martin and 39-year-old Brandon Staggs.

Martin is charged with neglect and possession of narcotics while Staggs is charged with neglect resulting in death and five other drug possession charges.

Public documents say Martin admitted to buying and using heroin while caring for child. Martin overdosed and was taken to the hospital so the baby was left with Staggs.

Staggs said he fell asleep on the couch with the baby and a friend woke him up to tell him his child was no longer breathing.

When police arrived, they described Staggs as groggy and appearing to be under the influence.

Apparently Staggs was not even allowed to be caring for the baby due to a pending investigation with Child Protective Services.

A coroner ruled the death of the baby as asphyxiation due to co-sleeping.

Staggs has been convicted of multiple drug charges in the past.

Both Staggs and Martin are expected to appear in court Monday afternoon.