Athens woman charged with capital murder in ‘brutal assault’ of her infant

ATHENS — An Athens woman has been charged with capital murder in the “brutal assault” of her infant, the Limestone County Sheriff’s Office said.

Morgan Skye Thornton was arrested Friday morning and remains in the custody of the Limestone County Jail, pending an Aniah’s Law hearing.

According to the sheriff’s office, deputies were sent to a residence in the 15000 block of Estate Drive in Athens in response to a medical call involving an infant just after 12:30 a.m. Friday.

Upon arrival, deputies discovered an unresponsive infant who had been severely beaten and showed no signs of life, the sheriff’s office said. They immediately began life-saving efforts until Athens Fire and Athens-Limestone EMS personnel arrived and took over care. A pulse was eventually regained, and the child was transported to a hospital.

“Tragically, the infant succumbed to the injuries sustained in this brutal assault,” the sheriff’s office said.

Investigators responded to the residence and the hospital. Through the course of the investigation, it was determined that Thornton, the child’s mother, was responsible for the injuries. Investigators obtained and executed search warrants for the residence and for a blood sample from Thornton, who appeared to be intoxicated at the time, the sheriff’s office said.

She was initially charged with aggravated child abuse but the charge was upgraded to capital murder.

“Please keep this family and everyone who responded to this heartbreaking scene in your prayers,” Sheriff Joshua McLaughlin said. “While the outcome is devastating, I’m incredibly proud of our deputies, firefighters, EMTs, hospital staff, and DHR workers who did absolutely everything in their power to save this innocent child.

“Their dedication and compassion in the face of such horror reflect the very best of public service.”