Georgia parents charged with murder in toddler’s death tied to car-seat belt incident

The parents of a 22-month-old boy have been charged with murder in connection with his death, investigators said Monday in Dalton, Georgia. Kirsten Schmitt, 26, and Anthony Pedigo, 30, were charged with second-degree murder and cruelty to children in the second degree, police said. Their son Grayson Pedigo died June 5 after being left buckled in a car seat on the living room floor for at least half an hour; the seat belt became caught around his neck, investigators said.

Authorities said the couple told investigators they were in the bedroom for about 30 to 40 minutes while Grayson was unattended in the living room, strapped into the car seat as they watched television. They said this was typical of their routine. When they returned, they found him unresponsive and called 911. Police arrived around 4:00 p.m. and found injuries consistent with the seat belt around the child’s neck. Grayson was transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The investigation had been ongoing since early June. The Friday before Schmitt and Pedigo were arrested, investigators and the district attorney’s office agreed to pursue charges. Police obtained arrest warrants, and the couple was taken into custody without incident on September 22, police said.

Car-seat safety experts have long warned that while car seats are essential for travel, using them indoors on a flat surface can be dangerous. A 2019 review of 12,000 sleep-related infant deaths found 219 linked to suffocation in car seats, with more than half occurring when the seat was used inside the home rather than in a moving vehicle. Experts note that when used correctly, car seats are secured to a base at an angle that keeps a child’s airway open; sleeping in a car seat at home is generally discouraged. The lead researcher said car seats are important when traveling, but infants should sleep on a firm, flat surface when at home.

Authorities did not immediately provide additional details on the case or possible motives. The charges carry potential penalties under Georgia law, and the case will proceed in the state court system.