Parents Charged with Murder After 6-Week-Old Baby Found Unresponsive Beneath Boppy Pillow, a resident listed in public arrest records, was taken into custody on April 5, 2025, in Featured County, Georgia. According to the official booking report, the arrest was made by local authorities and the subject was charged with the following offense(s): unspecified charges. This incident was officially recorded and made publicly available by law enforcement agencies in the state of Georgia. The details provided reflect the arrest information at the time of booking and do not indicate guilt or conviction. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
MUSCOGEE COUNTY, Ga. – The parents of a 6-week-old baby are facing serious charges after their infant son was found unresponsive and later pronounced dead at a local hospital, authorities confirmed.
Columbus police responded to a home on March 2 around 1 p.m. following reports of a non-breathing infant. Despite emergency efforts, medical personnel determined the child had already reached rigor mortis and could not be revived.
The baby’s parents, Ariel Simmons, 31, and Ryan McMilleon, 27, were initially arrested on unrelated charges at the scene. McMilleon was taken into custody for methamphetamine possession and an outstanding contempt of court warrant, while Simmons was charged with truancy.
An extensive follow-up investigation revealed troubling circumstances surrounding the child’s death. Detectives say the baby had been co-sleeping with the parents and was found wrapped in a sweatshirt, next to a pill bottle labeled with Simmons’ name that contained methamphetamine. The infant reportedly showed significant bruising and signs of lividity, indicating extended pressure on parts of the body after death.
McMilleon told investigators he woke to find a blanket covering the baby's head. After removing it, he discovered the infant lying on a Boppy nursing pillow, with the cushion partially surrounding the baby’s head.
As a result of the investigation, both Simmons and McMilleon were charged on March 17 with second-degree murder and second-degree cruelty to children. They remain in custody at the Muscogee County Jail.
During a court appearance, Simmons' attorney described the situation as a tragic accident, arguing that the bruising could be consistent with co-sleeping.
The Columbus Police Department’s Special Victims Unit continues to investigate. The infant’s name has not been publicly released.
Disclaimer: All data provided here is taken from public arrest records. This publication does not imply guilt or final conviction.
More Arrests in Featured on April 5, 2025
No other arrests found on this date in Featured.
