Staff report
A Rockwell mother will serve a 13 to 16 month suspended sentence for involuntary manslaughter in the death of her 7-day-old child.
Amber Revis was charged in December 2008. Authorities said the child was sleeping in the same bed with Revis and the child’s father Bryant Chapman. Authorities believe the child, Tanner Chapman, suffocated when one of the parent rolled over onto the child.
Revis pled no contest to involuntary manslaughter in Rowan County Superior Court Tuesday.
Revis, who officials described as very upset over the loss of her child, did not take the stand.
Senior Resident Superior Court Judge John Holshouser Jr. sentenced Revis, including a term of 36 months of supervised probation. She must also pay court costs, and attorney fees.
Michael Van Buren, assistant district attorney, said that none of the investigators believed the child’s death was intentional.
And the medical examiner wasn’t able to give a 100 percent opinion that the child died from an adult rolling over on him.
Van Buren said while accidents happen, drug use was the reason officials pursued the case. He said use of marijuana may have affected Revis’ decision making and ability to respond.
Revis pled guilty to misdemeanor marijuana possession and it was included in the sentencing.
The infant’s death and similar cases prompted the Rowan Social Services Department to launch a campaign to prevent adults from co-sleeping with children.