S

Parents of a baby who passed away in March have been bound over to the grand jury on three charges including first degree murder.

Taumize Q. Ransom, 26, and Delores Faye Thomas, 26, were each bound over in Coffee County General Sessions Court earlier this month to the charges of first degree murder, criminal homicide and aggravated child abuse.

According to the Tullahoma Police Department, emergency responders from Coffee County EMS, Tullahoma Fire Department, and Tullahoma Police Department responded to a call at 1407 E. Grundy Street concerning an unresponsive infant on Tuesday.

“The four-month-old infant was immediately transported by ambulance to Tullahoma Vanderbilt- Harton Hospital but remained unresponsive and was pronounced dead shortly after arrival,” officials said. 

Per the police department, the preliminary medical assessment found that the infant was extremely malnourished and the infant’s body has been sent to the Nashville Medical Examiner’s Office for autopsy to establish cause of death.

Following further investigation, including witness statements and medical findings, authorities arrested Thomas and Ransom, both residents of Tullahoma, on March 13. The couple’s initial court appearance took place the following day where they were presented in custody without bond.

“The Tullahoma Police and Fire Departments extend their heartfelt gratitude to all first responders involved in responding to this incident and investigation,” officials said. “If you suspect any child is being neglected or abused, please reach out to your local police department, Department of Human Services and/or the District Attorney’s office so that appropriate assistance can be provided. Proactive involvement ensures that appropriate assistance can be provided to those in need.”