A 33-year-old woman from Washington state, Safarah Red, has been charged with manslaughter after the death of her 11-month-old son. Prosecutors allege the child died in 2024 after being exposed to fentanyl, and say the mother later tried to create a false story to avoid responsibility.
Emergency Call and Initial Claims
According to court documents, Red called emergency services around 2 a.m., claiming her baby was not breathing after an earlier assault at a Seattle light rail station. She told dispatchers that an unknown man attacked her and forced a substance into her mouth, which she believed could have exposed her child as well.
Authorities noted that during the call, she appeared highly distressed and possibly intoxicated. Dispatchers tried to guide her through CPR steps, but she reportedly did not follow the instructions and repeatedly apologized.
Police Response and Discovery
Officers from the Seattle Police Department arrived at her residence but said she refused to open the door. Police were forced to enter the apartment, where they found Red inside in an emotional state.
Her infant son was discovered unresponsive on a mattress and was already dead when officers arrived. Reports stated that the child’s body was cold to the touch.
Investigation Raises Doubts
During questioning, Red repeated her claim about being attacked by an unknown man who forced a white substance into her mouth. However, investigators later said they found no evidence supporting this version of events.
Police reviewed surveillance footage from the light rail station during the time of the alleged attack but did not find her there. Instead, video from her apartment complex reportedly showed her returning home with the baby, appearing calm and even “singing and dancing,” which contradicted her account.
Allegations of Cover-Up
Prosecutors say Red attempted to mislead investigators by giving a vague description of a supposed attacker. They also allege that while she was still on the phone with emergency services, she threw away two trash bags, the contents of which were never recovered.
Authorities believe these actions suggest an effort to hide evidence.
Medical Findings and Background
An autopsy revealed that the child had levels of norfentanyl indicating possible ongoing exposure to the drug. Investigators also noted that Red had previously been warned about the dangers of fentanyl around children.
The Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families had earlier interacted with her regarding drug use in the home. Officials had advised her on safety measures and the risks involved, nearly a year before the incident.
Legal Status
Red is currently being held in King County Jail with bail set at $500,000. She is scheduled to appear in court again on April 28 as the case continues.
