MONROE, North Carolina — On the morning of May 18, officers responded to a home on Bragg Street after a report of an unresponsive infant.
Despite immediate lifesaving efforts from police and medical personnel, the baby did not survive.
The child was just 2 months old.
What Police Say Happened
Detectives spent nearly three months investigating the circumstances of the infant’s death.
Their conclusion — the baby died as a result of co-sleeping, meaning the mother had fallen asleep next to the child.
After carefully reviewing the facts, Monroe Police determined criminal charges were appropriate.
Natricia Ann Wright, 27, was charged with involuntary manslaughter and felony child abuse. She was booked at the Union County Detention Center on a $750,000 secured bond.
This Was Not the First Time
What makes this case especially painful is what investigators uncovered about Wright’s past.
In May 2020, another child — Wright’s 5-month-old son — was found unresponsive after a 911 call. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators found the infant had suffered from chronic malnutrition. Wright and the child’s father were accused of failing to provide adequate food or healthcare for nearly the entirety of the baby’s short life.
Both were charged in August 2020.
Three years later, they pleaded guilty to a lesser charge — placing a child at risk of harm — and were placed on probation. No prison time was served.
Police Chief Speaks Out
Monroe Police Chief Rhett Bolen addressed the community directly following the arrest.
“First and foremost, our hearts go out to this child and everyone affected by this heartbreaking loss,” Bolen said. “Our detectives have spent nearly three months carefully working to understand exactly what happened and to make decisions based on facts and evidence.”
He acknowledged the investigation had been difficult for everyone involved.
What Comes Next
Wright’s next court appearance is scheduled for September 24 in Union County.
Monroe sits just southeast of Charlotte, one of the state’s largest cities. The case has drawn significant attention across the region as the full history of the charges came to light.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Have thoughts on how the justice system handles repeat cases involving child safety? Share them in the comments — this is a conversation our community needs to have.