Atlanta, Georgia – A Georgia man has been sentenced to 40 years in prison for deliberately putting antifreeze in his baby’s breastmilk. Curtis L. Jack, 48, was convicted on Thursday of attempted murder and cruelty to children in Fulton County. The shocking incident came to light when an 18-day-old baby tested positive for antifreeze at Children’s Health Care of Atlanta.
According to law enforcement, the South Fulton Police Department responded to a cruelty to children call at the hospital on October 20, 2020. Hospital staff informed officers that the baby had antifreeze in her system. The mother, who was recovering from childbirth at the time, had given Jack 10 bags of breastmilk to take to her mother’s house.
Police initially interviewed Jack, who denied any involvement in poisoning the baby’s milk. However, after further questioning and urging him to tell the truth, Jack confessed. He admitted to placing antifreeze in the baby’s breastmilk because he did not want the child and instructed the mother to get rid of the baby. With remorse, Jack eventually admitted to his actions.
It was revealed that the mother had decided to proceed with the pregnancy against Jack’s wishes for an abortion. Ingesting even a small amount of antifreeze can cause permanent damage to the brain and kidneys. Fortunately, the baby survived the incident and is reportedly okay, according to the South Fulton police.
After serving his 40-year sentence, Jack will be placed on probation for an additional 10 years. However, his lawyers have filed a motion seeking a new trial, claiming the state did not provide sufficient evidence to prove his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The judge has yet to rule on the motion.
The poisoning of a baby’s breastmilk is an unthinkable and horrifying act of cruelty. The case highlights the vulnerability of infants and the importance of ensuring their safety. Physicians caution that even traces of antifreeze in a child’s system can have severe consequences.
This disturbing incident serves as a solemn reminder of the impact of parental conflict on innocent children and the potential dangers they may face. It reinforces the need for awareness and support systems to protect the most vulnerable members of society.