A Pennsylvania couple has been charged with involuntary manslaughter after their baby died at home, three days after his birth. Amy and Drew Hoenigke, of Sullivan County, had chosen not to seek medical attention for their newborn son, instead attempting to treat him with peppermint oil and a makeshift breathing tube. According to the criminal complaint, the couple had expressed concern that if they sought medical help, authorities would take away their first child, who was not registered in a hospital system and did not have a birth certificate.
The baby had reportedly been struggling to breathe and was “turning blue” shortly after his birth, but the couple did not seek medical attention. Instead, they attempted to treat him with peppermint oil and a makeshift breathing tube. Attorney General Josh Shapiro said “in a failed attempt to aid the child, Amy Hoenigke and Meckes utilized a peppermint oil infuser and attempted to create a makeshift breathing tube from a water bottle.”
The couple was also assisted by Meckes, who was present for the home birth and had assisted in the baby’s delivery and treatment, despite not being medically licensed. The defendants told investigators that prior to his death, the baby showed signs of severe distress, struggled to breath and was “turning blue.”
Amy and Drew Hoenigke have been taken into custody on charges of involuntary manslaughter, aggravated assault, recklessly endangering another person, and endangering the welfare of children. They are now facing the consequences of their decision to not seek medical attention for their newborn son.
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