Couple arrested in connection with death of 2-month-old, Columbia police say

A Columbia-area couple was arrested in connection with the death of a two-month-old child on Tuesday night, Columbia Police Chief Skip Holbrook announced in a news release.

The woman, Ja-Tiasia Shannon, was charged with homicide by child abuse, as well as multiple counts of unlawful conduct towards a child. Her partner, Derek Sumter, was also charged with multiple counts of unlawful conduct.

The baby died Sunday shortly after sustaining multiple injuries, and the couple was arrested after a joint investigation with SLED and the Richland County Coroner’s Office, the release said.

Investigators went to the hospital after the baby was pronounced dead.

The investigators deemed the couple’s home to be unsuitable for several other minors living there.

Both Shannon and Sumter are being held at Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center.

This is a developing story, check back for updates.