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LIMESTONE COUNTY-On Friday, August 1st, 2025, at approximately 12:38 a.m., Limestone County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to a residence in the 15000 block of Estate Drive in Athens in response to a medical call involving an infant. Upon arrival, deputies discovered an unresponsive infant who had been severely beaten and showed no signs of life. Deputies immediately began life-saving efforts until Athens Fire and Athens-Limestone EMS personnel arrived and took over care. A pulse was eventually regained, and the child was transported to a hospital.
Investigators responded to both the residence and the hospital. Through the course of the investigation, it was determined that the child’s mother, Morgan Skye Thornton, was responsible for the injuries. Investigators obtained and executed search warrants for the residence and for a blood sample from Thornton, who appeared to be intoxicated at the time. Thornton was initially charged with Aggravated Child Abuse.
Tragically, the infant succumbed to the injuries sustained in this brutal assault. Thornton’s charge has since been upgraded to Capital Murder. She remains in the custody of the Limestone County Jail, pending an Aniah’s Law hearing to be scheduled at a later date.
“Please keep this family and everyone who responded to this heartbreaking scene in your prayers. While the outcome is devastating, I’m incredibly proud of our deputies, firefighters, EMTs, hospital staff, and DHR workers who did absolutely everything in their power to save this innocent child. Their dedication and compassion in the face of such horror reflect the very best of public service.”~Sheriff Joshua McLaughlin
Media Release/Limestone County Sheriff
