A Dorchester couple is facing manslaughter charges in connection with the death of their five-week-old daughter, Suffolk District Attorney Kevin Hayden announced on Friday. The parents, identified as 31-year-old Raynell Reed and 52-year-old Gerard Winn, were indicted by a Suffolk County grand jury and have been arraigned for the charges related to their infant's death in January.
According to the Suffolk District Attorney's press release, both Reed and Winn have been ordered held on $100,000 bail by Clerk Magistrate Ed Curley, with their next court appearance scheduled for December 18. Prosecutors revealed the baby was born prematurely at home on December 5, 2024, and failed to gain or maintain weight, ultimately weighing only 2.5 pounds at the time of her death.
Despite the child's evident malnourishment and the knowledge that she was born at least two months early, the couple allegedly did not seek medical care. On January 9, Reed called 911 to report her baby was not breathing. The infant was transported to Boston Medical Center but was pronounced dead upon arrival.
According to the Suffolk District Attorney's press release, the investigation, including an examination from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, determined that the infant's death was caused by "acute intoxication from the combined effects of fentanyl and cocaine, in a premature infant with malnourishment and sepsis." It was further alleged that the presence of drugs in the infant's system resulted from exposure to illegal substances used by Reed and Winn. "It's difficult to conceive of something more tragic than a child being born and then ignored to the extent it leads to death by malnourishment and sheer neglect." Hayden said in a statement regarding the case.
