Miranda Cachini, a member of the Zuni Pueblo, pleaded guilty on May 7 to involuntary manslaughter after her two-month-old daughter died from asphyxiation.
The case is significant as it addresses the circumstances leading to the death of an infant and highlights the legal consequences for such actions. According to court documents, Cachini, age 27, consumed alcohol and fell asleep while breastfeeding her daughter in bed on January 25, 2025. During the night, she rolled over onto her baby, resulting in asphyxiation and the child's death.
Cachini now faces up to eight years in prison following her guilty plea. The announcement was made by First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office.
The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI's Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Zuni Pueblo Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Mondragon is prosecuting.
This incident underscores concerns about infant safety during co-sleeping situations and serves as a reminder about potential risks when alcohol consumption is involved.
