Columbia-area mother arrested in death of child. Siblings taken into protective custody

Authorities have arrested a Columbia-area woman in connection with the death of her child, an 8-month-old boy who was pronounced dead after being transported to a local hospital. Three other children were placed in protective custody.

Breonte Glasgow, 31, faces a charge of homicide by child abuse, as well as other charges, according to the Richland County Sheriff’s Department. Deputies arrested Glasgow Thursday at her home on Universal Drive, the department said in a Facebook post. Universal Drive is in southeastern Richland County off Garners Ferry Road.

The Richland County Coroner’s office told the sheriff’s department that the death of the infant was suspicious after Glasgow had called 911 to report that the baby was not breathing, authorities said. The 8-month-old had suffered broken bones and other injuries, according to the sheriff’s department.

Glasgow also faces two counts of unlawful conduct toward a child. Two of the other children had sustained injuries, authorities said.

Efforts to locate Glasgow or an attorney who could speak for her were unsuccessful Friday.

This story was originally published March 24, 2023 at 9:45 AM.

Sammy Fretwell

The State

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Sammy Fretwell has covered the environment beat for The State since 1995. He writes about an array of issues, including wildlife, climate change, energy, state environmental policy, nuclear waste and coastal development. He has won numerous awards, including Journalist of the Year by the S.C. Press Association in 2017. Fretwell is a University of South Carolina graduate who grew up in Anderson County. Reach him at 803 771 8537. Support my work with a digital subscription