Midland Mother Arrested and Charged Following 2-Year-Old’s Death

Amanda Nicole Ward, a 34-year-old resident of Midland County, has been arrested and charged with Criminally Negligent Homicide in connection with the death of her 2-year-old child. The incident occurred in March of this year.

Midland County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a call at Ward’s residence on March 23, 2023. Upon arrival, they found the 2-year-old child unresponsive. Despite the efforts of the Midland Volunteer Fire Department and EMS, the child was pronounced deceased.

Volunteer firefighters reported that Ward appeared disoriented and under the influence when they arrived at the scene. She allegedly mentioned taking a nap and discovering her son missing upon waking up. She claimed to have found him unresponsive in her vehicle and attempted CPR.

Subsequent investigations revealed Ward’s potential involvement in the incident. She admitted that a blood test would likely show methamphetamine use. Test results confirmed the presence of Amphetamine and Methamphetamine in her system.

A recent report from the Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences at Dallas indicated that the child’s cause of death was primarily hypothermia, with bronchiolitis listed as a contributing factor. The manner of death was ruled an accident.

Amanda Nicole Ward was taken into custody on August 4.