Three relatives found guilty in connection to the death of a one-month-old infant in 2020

NEW HANOVER COUNTY (WWAY) — A New Hanover County jury has found three relatives guilty for their connection in the death of a one-month-old infant back in 2020.

Sylvia, Joel and Roby Garner have all been found guilty of negligent child abuse, with Sylvia Garner also being convicted of involuntary manslaughter. Joel Garner, the father of one-month-old Adalynn Garner, was sentenced to 26-44 months in prison. The grandparents, Sylvia and Roby Garner, were sentenced to 12 months of supervised probation.
In January of 2020, Carolina Beach Police responded to an unresponsive child call.  The child, Adalynn Garner died. An investigation would reveal Adalynn Garner suffocated while in bed with her mother, Amy Miles. According to investigators, the Department of Social Services said Adalynn was under a safety plan, Signed by Sylvia and Roby Garner. The plan was said to not leave the baby alone with Amy Miles or Joel Garner.

The trial began on October 23rd, wrapping up in just over a week.  Adalynn’s mother, Amy Miles, testified in the trial and pled guilty to involuntary manslaughter and negligent child abuse. Miles has not yet been scheduled for sentencing.