On December 22nd, 2023, in Lapeer County, MI, the life of 2-month-old Tate Laurel was tragically cut short. His mother’s decisions to consume alcohol, prescription drugs, and ZzzQuil ultimately sealed Tate’s fate. The combination of a hungry infant and a frustrated mother resulted in Tate being deprived not only of formula but also of air. Compression asphyxiation, caused by external pressure on the chest or abdomen that prevents normal breathing and a pacifier forced into his mouth led to death
In this segment Tate's Father, Ryan Laurel lays out body cam footage, the 911 call, the DISTRUBING voicemail left to him by Tate's mother, Mariah Wheaton just hours before taking Tate's life.
Is this what grief looks like? Did she act in this manner when her first infant son passed?
Licking cameras, smiling, and laughing hours after laying Tate to rest. To destroying the funeral flowers, taking money from the funeral/gofundme using it to fund a vacation to Florida and a new apartment.
Mariah's call to Ryan just a few hours before Tate's death. This maybe the most important piece; We learn Mariah knows the importance of safe sleep and still puts Tate at risk = voluntary act, and ignored her duty of care by keeping Tate in an unsafe sleep environment = omission to perform/act. AND culpability; Mariah acknowledges, proceeds with recklessness and the intent later found. This voicemail shows Mariah meets the legal requirements for guilt in Michigan's Penal Code
12/20/23— Celebrating Daddy’s birthday by going to Bronner’s for Tate’s 1st Christmas bulb. We unfortunately would never get the chance to put it on the tree. *His older sister’s face has to be covered, We love and miss you so very much!*
Juliette giving Tate his Easter basket
Tate & his sister Juliette
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