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Nashville Mother Indicted In Baby's 2016 Death

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A Nashville mother has been indicted in the 2016 death of her 6-month-old son.

Officials with Metro Nashville Police said 24-year-old Shalonda Pettus was taken into custody Wednesday on a charge of felony murder.

Pettus has been accused in the death of her son, Roydale Holt. He died at General Hospital on October 22, 2016.  

Police said she brought the child to the hospital by private vehicle that day. The Medical Examiner later determined that Roydale died of probable asphyxia.

Roydale had reportedly been sleeping before being brought to the hospital.

According to investigators, numerous concerning items were found in the bed, including: drug paraphernalia, baby bottles, clothes, medicine and a plastic bag.

Police said Pettus’ suspected neglect allegedly played a role in his death. She was held in lieu of $75,000 bond.