On November 26, emergency dispatch in Portsmouth, Virginia received a call regarding an infant girl who was not breathing and unresponsive on Victory Boulevard. Medics began life-saving measures and transported the child to CHKD (Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters), where she was pronounced dead upon arrival. Detectives ruled the death a homicide. On December 2, the infant's parents — 25-year-old Chante Smith and 36-year-old Dontae Taylor — were arrested and charged with aggravated murder, child abuse/neglect causing serious injury, and cruelty to a child. Both remain in the Portsmouth City Jail without bond.
Contexts/Conditions
Is there any mention of child drug ingestion or overdose?
Is there any mention of a drowning incident (either intentional or accidental)?
Is there any mention of a firearm incident?
Is there any mention of inappropriate supervision (e.g., child wandered off and drowned)?
Is there any mention of inflicted injury? (e.g. slapped, punched, kicked, choked)
The news article states the infant's death was "ruled a homicide by detectives" and both parents were charged with "aggravated murder, child abuse/neglect causing serious injury and cruelty to a child." While the specific mechanism of injury is not described, the homicide ruling and charges of aggravated murder and child abuse causing serious injury strongly imply that the child suffered inflicted injury.
Is there any mention of malnutrition, starvation, or dehydration?
Is there any mention of medical neglect?
Is there any mention of a motor vehicle crash or incident?
Is there any mention of a murder-suicide incident?
Is there any mention of outdoor elements (including hot car deaths)?
Is there any mention of prenatal substance exposure (including fetal alcohol syndrome or neonatal abstinence syndrome)?
Is there any mention of sexual abuse?
Is there any specific mention of shaken baby or abusive head trauma?
Is there any mention of prolonged abuse or torture (including restraints, captivity)?
Is there any mention of an unsafe sleeping environment?
Individuals Involved
Was an adoptive parent or guardian involved in the death?
Was a biological father involved in the death?
The news article states "Police confirmed that Smith and Taylor were the infant's parents." Dontae Taylor, a 36-year-old male, was arrested and charged with aggravated murder and other felonies. As one of the infant's parents and a male, he is most likely the biological father, though the text uses "parents" rather than explicitly stating "biological parents."
Was a biological mother involved in the death?
The news article states "Police confirmed that Smith and Taylor were the infant's parents." Chante Smith, a 25-year-old female, was arrested and charged with aggravated murder and other felonies. As one of the infant's parents and a female, she is most likely the biological mother, though the text uses "parents" rather than explicitly stating "biological parents."
Was a day care worker, babysitter, or nanny involved in the death?
Was a female paramour or friend involved in the death (e.g., girlfriend, stepmother)?
Was a foster parent involved in the death?
Was a male paramour or friend involved in the death (e.g., boyfriend, stepfather)?
Was another adult relative involved in the death? (e.g., grandfather, aunt)
Was a sibling involved in the death?
Child Characteristics
Was the child adopted?
Was the child homeschooled (including "cyberschooling") or taken out of school?
Was the child in foster care at the time of the incident?
Was the child living with relatives at the time of the incident (but not parents)?
Is there any mention of a neurological developmental child disability? (e.g., autism, intellectual disability, nonverbal)
Is there any mention of a physical child disability? (e.g., feeding tube)
Is there any mention of prematurity or low birthweight?
Is there a history of child protection reports prior to death (for this child or siblings)?
Does the child have a history of foster care (but not in care at time of incident)?
Is there a history of a sibling death (separate incident from this death)?
Parent/Caregiver Factors
Was an adult charged or arrested for the child's death?
The news article states: "25-year-old Chante Smith and 36-year-old Dontae Taylor were arrested and charged with several felonies including: aggravated murder, child abuse/neglect causing serious injury and cruelty to a child. They remain in the Portsmouth City Jail without bond."
Is domestic violence by the parent/caregiver referenced?
Is there any mention that the death occurred in a temporary shelter or while homeless?
Is an intellectual disability of the parent/caregiver referenced?
Is the mental health of the parent/caregiver referenced?
Is a history of arrests or criminal charges for the parent/caregiver referenced?
Is substance use by the parent/caregiver referenced?
These fields were populated by an AI model and may contain inaccuracies. Review the links and PDFs provided for verification before citing. Contact [email protected] to report any inaccuracies where corrections are needed.