A South Carolina mother has been charged in connection with the death of her 10-month-old child after investigators said laboratory testing found a high level of morphine in the infant’s blood.
Tynisha Lashae Jones, 34, was charged with murder/homicide by child abuse following a months-long investigation in Anderson County. She was arrested on Sept. 25 and remains at the Anderson County Detention Center after bond was denied, according to authorities.
The investigation began on Dec. 12, 2025, when detectives were called to AnMed Medical Center after the infant died. Investigators spoke with several people, including Jones, and obtained a search warrant for the family’s home.
As part of the investigation, authorities collected specimens for laboratory testing. The results were not available immediately. Months later, investigators were informed that the infant’s blood contained what authorities described as a high dose of morphine.
The finding changed the direction of the case. Officials said the child’s death was subsequently classified as a homicide.
Investigators then reviewed the laboratory findings along with evidence collected during the investigation and the child’s medical records. The Anderson County Sheriff’s Office said that review led detectives to determine that Jones was responsible for giving morphine to the child.
Authorities have not publicly explained how the morphine was administered, why the child was given the drug or what specific evidence investigators believe establishes the circumstances surrounding the alleged administration.
The case also highlights the amount of time that can pass in an infant-death investigation when laboratory testing and medical-record reviews are still underway. In this case, the investigation began in December 2025, while the homicide-related charge was filed months later after investigators received and reviewed the testing results.
Jones remains in custody as the case moves forward. Additional details about the evidence, court proceedings and the child’s death had not been released as of the latest available reports.
The allegations against Jones have not been proven in court.
