A Wisconsin mother told police her 3-month-old son died after getting wedged in the couch. But when investigators tested the baby’s bottle, they found something far more disturbing.
Tashae Goodman, 31, of Milwaukee, has been charged with reckless homicide after her infant son was found unresponsive on March 22. She is currently held on a $250,000 cash bond.
What Police Say Happened
Goodman called 911 in the early morning hours, saying she had accidentally slept on her baby while on the couch. Paramedics could not revive the boy, and he was pronounced dead at 4:29 a.m.
An initial autopsy found no signs of trauma or illness. But toxicology results — which came back over a month later — told a different story.
The Formula Bottle
The baby’s last feeding was at 1 a.m. — from a formula bottle. When investigators tested that bottle, they found fentanyl inside. The baby’s own toxicology showed fentanyl, xylazine, heroin, and oxycodone in his system. His cause of death was ruled mixed drug toxicity, and the manner was ruled homicide.
Jail Calls and Prior Warnings
Police uncovered jail phone calls between Goodman and the baby’s father. Two days before the baby died, the father accused her of being high — saying he could hear it in her voice. On the day the baby died, Goodman told the father, “I f—ed up babe. I don’t wanna go crazy.”
Records also showed Goodman had failed to pick up her children from daycare that same day. The daycare owner told police Goodman blamed sleeping pills and cold medicine for making her groggy.
Her Explanation
When detectives interviewed Goodman, she claimed the drugs in her baby’s system came from being passed on in the womb. Police wrote in the complaint that this claim “defies logic, common sense, and science.” She also suggested drug residue on the bottle came from poor housekeeping.
What Happens Next
Goodman faces one count of reckless homicide and two counts of chronic child neglect. She was scheduled to appear in court and remains in custody at Milwaukee County Jail.
