Keokuk, Iowa — A tragic discovery inside a basement apartment has led to criminal charges against a 28-year-old mother, after her infant child was found unresponsive and positioned headfirst inside a trash can earlier this year. Authorities say the fatal incident unfolded while the mother slept under the influence of drugs, leaving the child without supervision.
Events Leading to the Child’s Death
According to local news outlets, Jaley Bush, 28, had been visiting a friend on Jan. 27 when the deadly sequence of events occurred. Bush reportedly took Klonopin, a benzodiazepine, that morning and fell asleep in a basement bedroom where her infant was lying beside her on the bed.
Bush later told investigators she believed the baby was positioned on the inner side of the mattress, away from any potential hazards. But when she woke up around 2 p.m., she found the infant unresponsive and headfirst inside a nearby trash can. Authorities emphasized that the child had no ability to recover from such a position on their own.
Emergency responders attempted life-saving measures before transporting the child to a local hospital. Despite efforts to resuscitate the infant, the child’s condition remained critical.
Investigation and Medical Findings
Hospital staff collected a blood sample from Bush the following day, revealing methamphetamine and benzodiazepines in her system. Investigators noted that her level of impairment on the day of the incident likely contributed to the lack of supervision and the circumstances that allowed the child to fall into the trash can.
The child died on Feb. 5, and an autopsy confirmed the cause of death as asphyxiation. Medical examiners determined that the position in which the infant was found restricted breathing long enough to cause fatal injury.
Criminal Charges Filed
On Nov. 21, nearly ten months after the death, Bush was formally charged with child endangerment resulting in death, a serious felony under Iowa law. Court records filed in Lee County outline the state’s allegation that Bush’s impaired condition and failure to properly monitor the infant directly led to the child’s death.
Prosecutors also cite Bush’s acknowledgment that she had taken medication and fallen asleep while caring for the child, paired with the toxicology findings indicating the presence of multiple controlled substances in her system.
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Bush has not entered a plea, and additional court proceedings are expected as the case advances.
Community Impact and Response
The circumstances surrounding the case have drawn attention in Keokuk, with child safety advocates emphasizing the risks associated with impaired caregiving. Local authorities have reiterated reminders that infants require constant supervision and should never be placed in sleep environments with unsecured objects, furniture edges, or containers that could pose entrapment hazards.
The case also highlights the ongoing intersection between substance use, parental responsibility, and child welfare—an issue county officials say they continue working to address through outreach, intervention programs, and community partnerships.
Moving Forward
With charges now filed, Bush faces the possibility of a lengthy prison sentence if convicted. The case remains under review as prosecutors prepare evidence and witness testimony for upcoming hearings. Authorities have not released additional information about the child or extended family but confirm that the investigation remains active.
Anyone who suspects child abuse or neglect is encouraged to seek immediate assistance through appropriate hotlines or local authorities to help prevent tragedies of this nature.
If you suspect child abuse, report it immediately. Seeking help, even anonymously, can save a child’s life.
If this story moved you, share your thoughts and reactions in the comments. Your voice can help raise awareness about child safety and the importance of safeguarding vulnerable children.
