LEE COUNTY | RICKEY STOKES NEWS
The Lee County District Attorney’s Office has filed an appeal challenging a judge’s decision to grant a new trial for a woman previously sentenced to 18 years in prison following the death of her newborn child.
Cherith Shoemaker was convicted in 2020 of chemical endangerment of a child resulting in death. During the original investigation, Shoemaker admitted to law enforcement that she had smoked methamphetamine shortly before going into labor, according to court records.
Earlier this year, Jeffrey Tickal, a Lee County Circuit Judge, vacated Shoemaker’s conviction and ordered a new trial. According to the Associated Press, Judge Tickal ruled that Shoemaker’s attorneys presented credible new evidence suggesting that an infection — not drug exposure — may have caused the stillbirth.
In a statement posted on social media, the Lee County District Attorney’s Office outlined evidence presented during the original trial that led to Shoemaker’s conviction. Prosecutors said Shoemaker told investigators she had smoked methamphetamine shortly before labor. Medical testimony at trial also indicated that approximately 500 nanograms of methamphetamine and 140 nanograms of amphetamine were found in the baby’s system.
The state medical examiner confirmed methamphetamine was present in the fetus’ bloodstream but ultimately listed the cause of death as undetermined.
Prosecutors further stated that jurors heard evidence showing Shoemaker gave birth in a bathtub, wrapped the baby in a towel, placed the infant in a corner of the room, and cleaned the scene. Authorities said Shoemaker did not seek medical assistance but instead contacted friends to inform them she had delivered the baby.
Shoemaker’s conviction and 18-year sentence were previously upheld by both the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals and the Alabama Supreme Court.
The appeal by the district attorney’s office seeks to overturn the order granting a new trial. The case remains pending.
