Indianapolis Judge Acquits Mother Who Confessed to Smothering Infant Daughter While High on Meth

An Indianapolis mother, Dacia Lacey, was found not guilty of neglect of a dependent resulting in the 2022 death of her 2-month-old daughter, Alona, by Judge Mark Stoner. Lacey had admitted to fatally smothering her baby while under the influence of methamphetamine. Despite her confession and evidence of drug use, the judge ruled that the state failed to prove Lacey had the necessary criminal intent to be convicted of the charges.

Police found Alona unresponsive in August 2022, and Lacey allegedly told them she had smothered the infant while high on meth. A toxicology report confirmed Lacey had methamphetamine in her system at the time of the incident. Lacey's other daughter had also witnessed her mother smothering the baby.

However, Judge Stoner stated that "poor parenting, by definition, is not criminal" and that "not everything that's a mistake or everything that is wrong is criminal." The judge explained that while Lacey was guilty of involuntary manslaughter, she was not charged with that specific crime. He found no physical evidence of neglect, and the pathologist did not provide a specific cause of death.

The lead detective on the case, Jamie Davis, testified that Lacey had confessed to smothering her baby while high and tired. Lacey was facing 20-40 years in prison, but the shocking verdict has resulted in her being a free woman. The court also terminated four no contact orders that were filed against Lacey.

Why this matters: This case raises questions about the criminal justice system's handling of cases involving parental negligence and drug abuse. It also highlights the challenges in proving criminal intent in such cases, even when a confession is present.

Judge Stoner's decision has faced criticism, as he has previously faced calls to resign after giving a lenient sentence to a mentally ill man who fatally shot a police officer. Despite Lacey's confession and the presence of drugs in her system, the judge ruled that the state did not prove the specific charge of neglect causing death. Lacey wept in court as the judge reluctantly freed her, saying she was not innocent but also not guilty of the charges brought against her.

Key Takeaways

• Indianapolis mom Dacia Lacey found not guilty of neglect in 2-month-old daughter's death
• Lacey admitted to fatally smothering baby while high on meth, but judge ruled no criminal intent
• Judge stated "poor parenting" is not criminal, despite Lacey's confession and drug use
• Lacey was facing 20-40 years in prison, but was freed and no-contact orders were terminated
• Case raises questions about handling of parental negligence and drug abuse cases