FORT SMITH (KFSM) -- Kinyata Nichols,36, has been arrested on 2nd degree murder charges for the death of her 10-month-old son, according to Cpl. Anthony Rice of the Fort Smith Police Department.
On December 8th, 2017, First Responders and EMS were called to an apartment complex on Kinkead Ave. and found the 10-month-old boy unresponsive and Nichols intoxicated.
Fort Smith Police were then called at Mercy Hospital in reference to the boy and mother's condition.
The child was life-flight to the Arkansas Children's Hospital in Littler Rock where he as placed on life support. He later died on December 11th, 2017.
The Fort Smith Police Department Special Investigations Unit opened and investigation into the cause of death for the child.
An autopsy examination revealed that the cause of death was from Cranio-Cerebral Trauma, which can occur when a parent or caregiver severely shakes a child.
The medical report also revealed that the boy suffered from malnourishment, and a toxicology report showed the methamphetamines in the child's system.
On Monday August 13th, 2018 Nichols was arrested following an extensive investigation by the Fort Smith Police Department Special Investigations Unit for 2nd degree murder and endangering the welfare of a minor.
Nichols is being held at the Sebastian County Adult Detention Center.