Mariah Thomas sentenced to 13 years for infant's death

A Missouri court has sentenced 28-year-old Mariah Thomas to 13 years in prison for the death of her eight-week-old daughter, Za'Riah Mae Thomas. The sentencing follows Thomas's guilty plea to first-degree child endangerment resulting in death.

The incident occurred on February 9, 2024, in the Manheim Park neighborhood of Kansas City. According to court documents, Thomas mistakenly placed her infant daughter in an oven instead of a crib. Family members discovered the child unresponsive amidst the smell of smoke, and emergency responders found the infant with extensive thermal injuries.

As part of a plea agreement with prosecutors, a more serious charge of first-degree murder was withdrawn. The 13-year sentence will include time already served in custody.