Cabell County Circuit Judge Gregory Howard hears a Kennedy plea for Stafan Lavelle Gibbs, who was charged with child neglect resulting in death, on Feb. 18, 2025.
Cabell County Circuit Judge Gregory Howard hears a Kennedy plea for Stafan Lavelle Gibbs, who was charged with child neglect resulting in death, on Feb. 18, 2025.
HUNTINGTON Ƶ A pre-trial has been reset for a woman who was charged with child neglect resulting in death.
Samantha Faye Thomas was charged alongside Stafan Lavelle Gibbs in connection with the death of their 10-month-old son, , in November 2019.
Cabell County Prosecuting Attorney Jason Spears told Circuit Judge Gregory Howard during a hearing for Gibbs in February that Amari was exposed to heroin in GibbsƵ home and was not immediately taken to the hospital. According to the medical examiner, Amari died of heroin intoxication, Spears said.
Gibbs entered a Kennedy plea in February to child neglect creating risk of death or serious bodily injury. He will return to Cabell County Circuit Court for sentencing at 9:15 a.m. April 1 in HowardƵs court.
GibbsƵ defense attorney Tim Rosinsky told Howard the reason Gibbs entered a Kennedy plea was that while Gibbs denies directly causing AmariƵs death, he understands he and Thomas were the only two people with custody and control of the child.
Gibbs is currently being held in Western Regional Jail.
Thomas posted bond and was placed on day report in December 2022 after being indicted in November 2022, according to records provided by the Cabell County Circuit ClerkƵs Office.
ThomasƵ defense attorney Tanner Wall told Howard during a hearing Monday that her case was contingent on GibbsƵ case. Now that his case is resolved, Wall and Thomas are discussing her options.
ƵThe state has made an offer, and sheƵs been considering it. I believe weƵre going to make a counter-offer. I sort of have to confirm that with her before I do so. So IƵm going to need a 30-day reset, and we should know if weƵre going to be able to work this one out by then,Ƶ Wall said.
Howard set a pre-trial hearing for 10 a.m. April 8 to continue the discussion on the case.
Katelyn Aluise is an education and court reporter.
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