Anderson County deputies charged 34-year-old Tynisha Lashae Jones with homicide by child abuse after a toxicology report found a high dose of morphine in a 10-month-old's blood. The infant, identified in an obituary as Talayah Lucille Donaldson, died on Dec. 12, 2025. Jones was arrested on Sept. 25, denied bond and faces a potential sentence of 20 years to life if convicted.
Anderson Mother Charged With Homicide After Infant's Morphine-Linked Death
The Anderson County Sheriff's Office arrested Tynisha Lashae Jones on homicide by child abuse. File/Provided
Anderson County authorities have charged a local mother after a months-long investigation into the death of her 10-month-old child.
Investigation And Findings
Tynisha Lashae Jones, 34, was charged with homicide by child abuse after her infant died in late 2025, the Anderson County Sheriff's Office said in a news release. The office did not name the child, but an obituary identifies the baby as Talayah Lucille Donaldson, who died on Dec. 12.
On Dec. 12, investigators responded to AnMed Medical Center after staff reported an infant death. Deputies interviewed witnesses, including Jones, and executed a search of her residence where they collected samples for laboratory testing.
After several months of analysis, a toxicology report indicated the infant's blood contained a high dose of morphine. According to the sheriff's office, investigators concluded that Jones administered the morphine to the child.
Arrest, Charges And Potential Penalties
Jones was arrested on Sept. 25 and denied bond. She faces a possible sentence of 20 years to life if convicted on the homicide-by-child-abuse charge. Authorities have not released additional case details pending ongoing investigation and prosecution.
Context
The sheriff's office noted the arrest occurred during a month in which other serious child-related cases were filed in South Carolina, including a Ladson woman charged with homicide by child abuse after two people were found dead at her home and a Spartanburg woman charged with attempted murder following an alleged stabbing incident involving children.
Note: Charges are allegations. A defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Help us improve.
