Investigators with the Columbia Police Department’s (CPD) Special Victim’s Unit (SVU) have arrested a mother and father accused of causing the death of their child.

Kiera Dominique McClinton (DOB: 8-25-1991) is charged with Homicide by Child Abuse and Unlawful Neglect of a Child. McClinton was arrested yesterday at Columbia Police Headquarters.

Terance Taylor (DOB: 4-17-1985) is charged with Unlawful Neglect of a Child.

He was arrested at a Walnut Street home yesterday by CPD and the United States Marshals Service (USMS) Fugitive Task Force Operation Intercept.

The parents’ charges stem from an incident that occurred on February 21, 2018 at 2549 Cherry Street.  CPD officers and EMS responded the home for a report of an unresponsive baby.  EMS pronounced the child deceased at the scene.

 According to Richland County Coroner Gary Watts, 3-month-old Safarii Taylor (DOB: 11-17-17) died from neglect and positional asphyxiation.

Medical documentation indicates that the victim failed to thrive and develop due to not being provided adequate food and nutrition on a consistent basis.

It’s also believed that the baby was placed in an unsafe sleeping environment which contributed to his death.

The CPD consulted with a local child fatality review board which is comprised of the Richland County Coroner’s Office, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), and Fifth Circuit Solicitor’s Office.

All persons arrested/charged are presumed innocent until or unless proven guilty in a court of law.