Overview

• Dacia Lacey, 32, was acquitted of neglect resulting in the death of her 2-month-old daughter, despite admitting to smothering the child while under the influence of meth.
• The judge highlighted the absence of evidence for criminal intent, stressing that poor parenting alone does not constitute a criminal act.
• Public and legal scrutiny intensifies as Judge Stoner faces calls for resignation over his controversial rulings, including this case and a previous lenient sentence for a mentally ill man who killed a police officer.
• Toxicology reports confirmed methamphetamine in Lacey’s system on the day of the incident, with her older daughter witnessing the act.
• Prosecutorial decisions and the criteria for charging individuals have come under criticism, with calls for more stringent evaluation processes.