Mother accused of killing baby by leaving him in a refrigerator for 3 hours

A mother in Chester, South Carolina was arrested on Monday in connection to the late February death of her newborn son, reports The Herald.

Authorities say 27-year-old Angela Renee Blackwell placed the 4-day-old child in a refrigerator, leaving the baby there for 3 hours before taking him out and calling emergency services.

Though the infant was still breathing when he arrived at the hospital, he passed away shortly after.

According to the coroner's report, the baby "died from hypothermia."

Billy Lewis, the woman's father-in-law is standing by her, saying she is not the one who put the baby in the fatal situation, notes WSOC.

Lewis said, "We don't know who did...We just know she didn't do it because she loves her kids too much."

There were roughly 10 other people in the house at the time of the incident, according to WYFF.

Blackwell is charged with homicide by child abuse.

If convicted, she could serve up to a 20-year prison sentence.

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