A Douglas County mother has been charged with felony murder and child cruelty following a tragic incident that left her 3-year-old daughter dead and her 7-year-old son hospitalized. Uriha Ridge, 35, appeared in court Thursday for her role in the incident that unfolded when the family became lost in the woods during below-freezing temperatures, as reported by FOX 5 Atlanta.
On Jan. 16, Ridge and her two children endured nearly 12 hours overnight in the freezing wet elements near Fox Hall Resort. Despite having a charged cellphone, authorities claim she did not immediately seek to help call for rescue. According to the USA Today article, officials believe the "consumption of illegal drugs is believed to be the root cause" of the mother's actions.
Ridge's 3-year-old daughter, Alina, tragically died at a local hospital from exposure, while her older brother, Elijah, survived and is now with other family members. The FOX 5 Atlanta investigation uncovered that Ridge has a history of child abuse allegations, including a previous arrest for assault and cruelty towards children in November 2022.
In her first court appearance, Ridge stood emotionless with her hands cuffed while listening to the charges against her. Prosecutors are also scrutinizing her to not have followed bond conditions from her previous arrest, which included directives such as abstaining from alcohol, attending parenting classes, and living at her mother’s house. As per FOX 5 Atlanta, she failed to provide proof of attending mandatory classes. Neighbors of the last known address of Ridge declined to comment on the case.
