Curtis Jack, a father from Georgia, was sentenced to 50 years in prison after being convicted of poisoning his newborn daughter’s breastmilk with antifreeze. This alarming case unfolded when the infant, only 18 days old, fell critically ill after consuming the contaminated milk. The incident occurred in 2020, shortly after Jack had retrieved bottles of breastmilk from the child’s mother, who was recovering in the hospital following childbirth.

Investigators revealed that Jack administered the poison to avoid financial responsibilities associated with child support. The presence of ethylene glycol, a toxic chemical commonly found in antifreeze, was detected in the baby’s system, leading to his arrest and subsequent confession to South Fulton Police Department detectives. This confession was a pivotal moment in the investigation, underscoring the premeditated nature of his actions.

Trial and Sentencing

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Antifreeze, also known as ethylene glycol, is used as an engine coolant. It is fatally toxic even in small dosage

During the trial, the prosecution presented compelling evidence and testimonies from the child’s mother, grandmother, several law enforcement officers, and medical experts. Demonstrations were conducted to show how easily the breastmilk could be poisoned, which played a crucial role in the case. The child’s mother, while choosing not to speak publicly following the sentencing, expressed relief that her daughter has recovered and is doing well.

The use of antifreeze as a poison is particularly heinous due to its severe toxicity, which can cause symptoms ranging from drowsiness and vomiting to kidney damage and death, as noted by poisonhelp.org. This case has highlighted the critical need for vigilance in protecting children from such unthinkable harms and has set a precedent for severe penalties for similarly egregious offenses.