Colorado Mom Charged After Toddler Dies Stranded In Car For 2 Nights
The Moffatt County Sheriff's Office arrested a 36-year-old Colorado mother that got stranded while driving under the influence of drugs with her two kids in Northwestern Colorado.
According to CBS Denver, the mom, identified as Kaylee Messerly, and her almost 3-year-old daughter were found alive, while Masserly's 18-month-old son tragically died due to the elements.
The three people spent two nights stranded on County Road 54 just outside of Craig, a road typically not traveled on very much during the winter months, trapped by snow and mud before setting out on foot.
Local law officials said that while daytime temps reached the 50's, the nighttime temps dipped much colder.
By the time they were all found, the toddler was deceased and the 3-year-old was suffering badly from effects due to the elements.
According to KDVR, the mother is being charged. Messerly tested positive for methamphetamines, amphetamines and THC while she was being treated for frostbite after being located by authorities. Her 3-year-old had extreme frostbite resulting in amputation of the child’s feet, according to the arrest warrant.
Messerly was arrested on charges of child abuse resulting in death and resulting in serious bodily injury.
The family has started a GoFundMe account to help pay for the child's headstone.