Georgia – In Georgia, man and woman were taken into custody and charged in connection with the death of their 1-month-old baby. Both face charges of second-degree murder and second-degree cruelty to children.
On March 2, 2025, around 1 p.m., the local police department officers responded to a residence following a report of an unresponsive infant. Upon arrival, they found the baby not breathing. The child was transported to a local hospital, where medical staff pronounced the infant deceased, noting that rigor mortis had already set in.
During the initial investigation, the 27-year-old dad, Riyan, was arrested on charges of possession of methamphetamine and an outstanding warrant for contempt of court. The 31-year-old mom, ArieI, was arrested on a warrant for truancy. Subsequent investigations by authorities in Georgia led to additional charges against both parents. On March 17, they were charged with second-degree murder and second-degree cruelty to children.
In a preliminary hearing, investigators testified that the father stated he and his partner had been drinking the night before the infant’s death. The man also admitted they had smoked marljuana that night and had previously tried meth and cocaine, citing stress and fatigue as reasons.
The investigator further testified that the newborn was brought to the hospital wrapped in a jacket. Inside the jacket were a pair of baby’s pants, a black sock, a $100 bill, a pink debit card, and a prescription pill bottle with the mother’s name on it. The pill bottle contained a clear bag with a small black bag inside, holding a crystalline substance.
A laboratory results later confirmed that the bag contained meth inside. Family members have expressed disbelief and support for the parents. the dad’s mother stated, “He would never intentionally hurt his child. He loved his kids very much.” Defense attorney Keyana described the baby’s mom as a good parent who made a mistake.
Both defendants appeared in court following their arrests. The police department’s Special Victims Unit continues to investigate the case. Authorities have not released the child’s name.
