Norfolk Woman Charged with Second-Degree Murder in Baby’s Death
NORFOLK, Va. — A Norfolk woman, Alvetta Haskins, 50, has been charged with second-degree murder in connection to the death of her 3-month-old granddaughter in April 2024.
Details of the Incident:
According to the Norfolk Police Department, authorities were called to the 100 block of Suburban Parkway at around 12:20 a.m. on April 22, 2024, after reports of an unresponsive infant. First responders quickly arrived, and the baby was transported to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Initially, the cause of death was undetermined, but the medical examiner later ruled it a homicide. Court documents reveal that the infant died from an overdose of an anti-psychotic medication, which was prescribed to Haskins for mood disorders.
Haskins’ Statement:
Joseph Johnson Jr., Haskins’ fiancé, claimed that Haskins did not provide the baby with the medication in question. He stated that Haskins had only given the baby some over-the-counter nightquil to treat a cold. However, the court documents allege that the grandmother, who was the primary caregiver, did not know how the baby came to ingest the anti-psychotic medication.
Past Incidents:
Court records show that Haskins has a history of family-related charges, including multiple instances of assault on a family member. In one case, this occurred just five days after her granddaughter’s death. Haskins was convicted of misdemeanor assault and battery in February 2023.
The Discovery:
Johnson recalls the tragic moment when he was presented with the unresponsive infant by Haskins. He attempted to perform CPR, but the baby had already passed. “The baby passed away in her sleep in here. I was here right on this bed,” Johnson said.
Arrest and Legal Proceedings:
Alvetta Haskins was arrested on January 1, 2025, and is currently being held without bond at the Norfolk City Jail. She faces charges related to the death of her granddaughter, with the investigation ongoing.
