Death of Morehouse infant under investigation; father in custody on child endangerment charges

Zachary Murphy

MOREHOUSE, Mo. — A Morehouse man faces child endangerment charges following the death of his infant child Sunday, Aug. 25 in New Madrid County.

According New Madrid County Sheriff Ronnie Adams, at 5:53 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 25 deputies were dispatched to Spruce Street in Morehouse in reference to a report of a 3-month-old not breathing. Deputies, along with EMS and Rescue, responded to the scene to find the infant deceased. An investigation was conducted at the scene and continues at this time, the interim sheriff said.

“We can report at this time that the autopsy of the infant concluded that there was no trauma leading to the death,” Adams said in a news release Tuesday, Aug. 26.

However, charges have been filed and an arrest warrant was issued for the child’s father, Zachary Scott Murphy, for endangering the welfare of a child-first degree with death of a child, manufacturing a controlled substance and three counts of endangering the welfare of a child-first degree by creating substantial risk, according to Adams.

During the course of the investigation, Adams said deputies seized a marijuana-grow operation including 56 plants in various stages of growth inside the residence. At the time of call, Murphy had fled the scene but was located Tuesday and remained in custody. Bond is set at $50,000.

“At this time the investigation continues,” Adams said. “The New Madrid County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the New Madrid County Coroner's Office, Scott County Sheriff's Office, Missouri State Highway Patrol and Sikeston Department of Public Safety for their assistance.”