A Kentucky mother who pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the death of her 3-month-old son is asking the court for permission to visit his grave before she begins serving her prison sentence.
Amber Winstead, 36, entered a guilty plea on Friday in connection with the January 1 death of her son, Ki’Arri Rayne Winstead, who was found unresponsive at a Louisville Motel 6.
According to investigators, Winstead had taken a bath with her infant son while under the influence of drugs. She reportedly fell asleep, and when she awoke hours later, Ki’Arri was submerged and not breathing. Emergency responders pronounced the baby dead at the scene.
Under her plea deal, prosecutors dismissed a persistent felony offender charge and are seeking a seven-year prison sentence, local outlet WHAS reported. Winstead’s sentencing is scheduled for December 11.
Her attorney, Bryce Dean, told the court that Winstead’s arrest occurred in a funeral home parking lot, just moments before her son’s burial. Dean said his client, who is nearing completion of a drug rehabilitation program, is requesting house arrest until sentencing so she can visit her child’s grave.
“She would like to visit her child’s grave. She would like to have just a little bit of closure before she goes to DOC,” Dean said, according to WLKY.
Jefferson Circuit Court Judge Trish Morris said she would consider the request, acknowledging that she has “obvious empathy” for the defendant.
“The situation is tragic all around,” the judge said.
Ki’Arri’s obituary, dated September 24, 2024, described him as a “little angel” with a bubbly personality and calming presence, bringing joy to everyone around him.
“He was a precious bundle of happiness, always calm and content, bringing peace to those around him. He never cried and was loved deeply by his family,” the obituary read.
If approved, Winstead would be allowed to visit her son’s grave before beginning her sentence. Her case underscores the ongoing challenges of drug-related child neglect and its devastating consequences for families.
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