Mother confessed in smothering death of 4-day-old infant, deputies say

Aishia Marie Pacheco, 22, has been charged with second-degree murder in the death of her 4-day-old child. (Photo: WSOC)

ALEXANDER COUNTY, N.C. — A woman has been charged with murder after a 4-day-old infant was found unresponsive Tuesday at a home in North Carolina.

Officials responded to the home around 6:12 a.m. in the Wittenburg community.

Aishia Marie Pacheco, 22, the child’s mother, was charged with second-degree murder. She is being held under a $1 million secured bond.

The infant was pronounced dead at the scene by Alexander County EMS. The child was taken to Wake Forest Baptist Hospital for an autopsy. The Alexander County Sheriff said the mother smothered the child.

Deputies told reporter Dave Faherty that the mother confessed to killing the child.

Her first court appearance is June 6.