Crime & Justice

Tennessee Prisoner Gives Birth, Then Dies of COVID

TRAGEDY UPON TRAGEDY

The 30-year-old woman had been arrested on drug charges.

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Morghan Elmore/Tribune Media Services

A prisoner at a Tennessee jail died on Monday from COVID-19 complications after giving birth. Morghan Jean Elmore, 30, was arrested on Aug. 13 and taken to the hospital on Aug. 21, where she passed away nine days later. In a press release, the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office says it is investigating the death and assures that the newborn, Faith Elmore Berry, was in safe hands at the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services.

Elmore’s parents are attempting to get full custody of the child. According to WRCB TV, the attorney representing the couple, Robin Flores, said that the baby has “two very loving grandparents and a sister” who are “willing and able to take care of this child.”

“They’re devastated. That’s all I can tell you,” added Flores. “The heartache is wrenching.”

Read it at AL.com