New Madrid County, Mo. — Zackery Scott Murphy, a New Madrid County man charged in connection with the death of his 3-month-old baby, entered a not-guilty plea during his court arraignment on Thursday, August 29. His next court date is scheduled for September 5.
Murphy faces multiple charges, including one count of endangering the welfare of a child in the first degree related to the child’s death, one count of manufacturing a controlled substance, and three counts of endangering the welfare of a child creating substantial risk. His bond has been set at $50,000.
According to New Madrid County Chief Deputy John Nelson, the investigation is ongoing with assistance from various law enforcement agencies. The case began when officers responded to a call about a young child who was not breathing. Upon arrival, police and EMS found the child had already died.
The incident occurred in the 200 block of Spruce Street in Morehouse. Investigators discovered approximately 56 marijuana plants in various stages of growth inside the home, along with equipment such as tents and UV lights used for cultivation. Marijuana was also found scattered on tables and in containers accessible to small children. Court documents indicate that three other children under the age of 8 were present in the home at the time.
Murphy initially fled the scene, prompting a manhunt that lasted 24 hours. He was eventually located and arrested on the night of Monday, August 26, after a tip led authorities to his location. Murphy is currently being held in the Mississippi County Jail.
An autopsy performed on the infant indicated that the child died from positional asphyxiation, with no signs of trauma that would suggest physical abuse. Chief Deputy Nelson clarified that early reports of a beating were unfounded.
Murphy’s account of the events stated that he went to the store around 8:30 a.m. for Tylenol and colic medicine, later giving some of the medication to the baby and placing her face down in a bassinet. He claimed that he fell asleep on the couch and later moved the baby to a swing, believing she was still asleep. However, as the investigation continued, Murphy became uncertain about whether the baby was asleep or deceased at the time he moved her.
The investigation remains active as authorities continue to piece together the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.