Mom Sentenced to 18-Years After Stillborn Baby Born With Meth in its Bloodstream

On March 8, 2017, 36-year-old Brooke Shoemaker smoked crystal methamphetamine with a friend. The two headed into town afterward. At some point, Brooke felt what she thought was urine running down her leg. Bladder leakage is one of the many pregnancy symptoms women experience, so she didn't believe it was serious.

That evening, Brooke felt sick to her stomach and experienced severe cramps. She realized the fluid was amniotic fluid. She called a friend who told her to go to the ER, but she wanted to wait it out.

By the following morning, Brooke could barely stand due to the intense cramps. She called her friend; that friend called 9–1–1. Meanwhile, Brooke ran a tub of water, hoping the warmth would ease her cramps.

In the bathtub, Brooke continued cramping. She felt the intense urge to push. Seconds later, she saw her baby boy floating in the water. He was not breathing.

Meth Addiction in the U.S.

Millions of Americans of all ages and backgrounds battle crystal methamphetamine addiction. The drug is the fourth-leading cause of fetal death in the United States. Many states have made laws allowing mothers to be charged with their infant's death if drugs are found in their bloodstream.

Brooke struggled with meth addiction for a few years. When the mother of four learned she was pregnant, she felt good about her future. Despite her addiction, she wanted to get clean and raise her babies. Sadly, she waited too long to take the right path.

Baby Boy Born Stillborn in Bathtub

Brooke wrapped her newborn stillborn son in a towel and placed him in the corner of the bathroom. She cleaned blood and evidence of the birth from the bathtub and waited for paramedics.

Brooke was transported to a local hospital.

She was upfront and honest with the doctor and medical staff, telling them that she had smoked meth the prior day and on one other occasion since learning of her pregnancy. She also agreed to have blood tests run on the baby.

Baby's Autopsy & Toxicology Report

The State Pathologist, a licensed medical practitioner, examined the fetus. They found a small hemorrhage on the placenta, likely from resuscitation efforts, and a liver laceration. He found that the baby had crystal methamphetamine in his bloodstream when he died. He could not say for sure that the drug caused the newborn's death, and listed the baby's cause of death as 'undetermined.'

The elected State Coroner, who doesn't have a medical degree, overruled the pathologist's decision. He said the baby died from "chemical endangerment" and "methamphetamine toxicity." He said he reached this conclusion after speaking with a pathologist friend. This friend had no ties to the case.

Brooke Shoemaker Arrested, Sentenced to Prison

In May 2017, two months after the baby's birth, police arrested Shoemaker. She faced charges under the state's chemical intoxication laws.

Under advice from her lawyer, Shoemaker did not take the stand in her defense. She was found guilty of criminal consumption and sentenced to 18 years in prison.

Shoemaker was denied parole once. Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles denies more than 84% of all parole applications. In 2025, an Alabama judge vacated her conviction.

Do you believe Brooke should be held responsible for her baby's death? Tell me your thoughts about this case in the comments section!

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