PAGE, Ariz. — Authorities said two women are facing felony charges for their alleged role in the death of a 9-day-old infant in Page.
Police said on May 6, the infant was brought to the Banner Health emergency room where they were declared deceased a short time later. Officials said the infant appeared severely neglected and malnourished.
Authorities arrested the infant's mother, Jessica Seiser, as well as the infant’s caretaker, Nancy Bell, on child abuse charges.
Officials said Seiser had a baby on April 27 in a car instead of at a hospital to prevent doctors from knowing she was using drugs while pregnant. After having the baby, officials said Seiser asked Bell, who recently had a baby of her own, to take care of the baby since she was already breastfeeding and had clean milk.
Authorities said Bell was living in a vehicle while taking care of both babies. Bell said it was difficult to care for Seiser's baby because they wouldn't latch on to her for milk. The baby was also reportedly showing signs of being addicted to drugs and Bell said she didn't know how to take care of an addicted baby.
On May 6, Bell decided to take the infant to the hospital after seeing the condition of Seiser's baby worsen. While driving to the hospital, officials said the baby stopped moving. Bell believes the baby died in her arms, police said.
Bell initially told officers that she found the infant near a restroom at Lone Rock in Utah. She later confirmed her involvement with Seiser.
When detectives later contacted Seiser, she confirmed she did have a baby but did not want to have any attachment with the child. Officials said Seiser believed the baby was born premature due to the low birth weight but she did not seek any medical attention for the infant since she didn't want any involvement.
Police said the infant was taken to the Medical Examiner's Office in Flagstaff to be examined.
Authorities said the Page Police Department and Kane County Sheriff’s Office conducted a joint investigation, which led to the women's arrests.
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