Oklahoma Mother Charged with Neglect in Infant’s Death After Delayed Medical Care

A 23-year-old woman was arrested on January 3, 2025, in connection with the tragic death of her baby, following nearly a year-long investigation. Authorities allege the injuries were caused by the child's father, now facing charges of murder and child abuse.

Oklahoma Woman Charged with Child Neglect After Infant’s Tragic Death

An Oklahoma woman has been charged with child neglect for allegedly delaying medical care for her severely injured 4-month-old son, who later died. Savawna Bowen, 23, was arrested on January 3, 2025, nearly a year after her baby succumbed to injuries prosecutors say were inflicted by the child’s father, Daquan White, also 23. White faces charges of murder and child abuse.

According to court documents, Bowen allegedly knew her son was injured but failed to seek immediate medical attention. Instead, she reportedly searched online for information about his symptoms before taking him to the hospital. Tragically, the baby passed away on January 11, 2024, from severe injuries, including a broken jaw, broken ribs, a fractured femur, and brain trauma

Timeline of Events

The affidavit outlines a harrowing sequence of events leading to the infant’s death. Bowen left her two children—a 4-month-old and a 2-year-old—in White’s care while she stayed with her boyfriend. When she returned, she noticed a red mark on the baby’s leg. White allegedly admitted to hearing a "popping sound" while lifting the baby’s leg. Despite this, Bowen reportedly left again for eight hours to spend time with friends.

When she came back, she found the baby crying in pain. White allegedly confessed to putting his fingers in the baby’s mouth and pushing down to stop him from crying. The baby later had a seizure, but White reportedly urged Bowen to delay seeking medical attention and instructed her to lie about the baby’s leg injury if questioned.

Internet Searches and Delayed Action

Between January 3 and January 7, Bowen conducted several internet searches, including “popped leg,” “baby’s femur is sticking out,” “baby not able to move mouth,” and “mouth swollen.” It wasn’t until January 8 that she finally took the baby to the hospital. Doctors discovered multiple severe injuries, but it was too late to save the child, who died three days later.

Legal Proceedings

Bowen now faces charges of child neglect for her alleged failure to protect her son and seek timely medical care. White has been charged with murder and child abuse. Authorities emphasize the importance of immediate medical attention in preventing such tragedies and holding caregivers accountable for neglect.