Family members say the tragedy inside a small Alabama home was far darker than the mother admits.
A desperate call that came too late
Authorities in Athens, Alabama, are piecing together a heartbreaking case after 8-month-old Jonah James Thornton was found unresponsive and “severely beaten” inside his home early Friday morning.
According to newly released dispatch audio, first responders arrived just after 12:30 a.m. to find the infant in full cardiac arrest.
“Have an 8-month-old, possible full arrest… confirmed full arrest at this time. CPR in progress,” an emergency responder can be heard saying in the recording.
The mother’s account — and the charges she faces
Jonah’s mother, Morgan Skye Thornton, 29, was arrested at the scene. Officials say she appeared intoxicated. Initially charged with aggravated child abuse, her case was upgraded to capital murder after the child’s death.
Appearing in court hours later, Thornton told WAFF 48 she didn’t understand the charge.
Family allegations deepen the tragedy
A relative’s Facebook post described the “drunken” mother as an “evil, sick and twisted witch” and said Jonah was “1 of twins, 8-month-old, beautiful sweet baby boy” whose life was taken by her.
The post alleges Thornton woke her partner and said, “Come look at what I did to this demon,” before he discovered the infant’s injuries. The family member further claimed it was the father, not Thornton, who attempted CPR.
Court records reveal a troubling history. Just weeks earlier, Thornton had pleaded guilty to second-degree assault for kicking a police officer during a July incident. She also faced prior charges for DUI, domestic violence, disorderly conduct, and a 2019 public intoxication conviction.
A community shaken
Limestone County Sheriff Joshua McLaughlin commended first responders for their efforts to save Jonah’s life.
“While the outcome is devastating, I’m incredibly proud of our deputies, firefighters, EMTs, hospital staff, and DHR workers who did absolutely everything in their power to save this innocent child,” he said.
The boy’s cause of death will be determined following an autopsy at a state forensics lab. Meanwhile, Thornton remains jailed without bond pending an Aniah’s Law hearing, which will determine if she can be released before trial.
For Jonah’s grieving family, answers may be months away, but the pain of what happened inside that home will last far longer.