Granite couple charged in baby's death; put child to sleep face-down

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A couple is charged with first-degree murder in the death of their 3-month-old child for allegedly putting the baby to sleep face-down.

Donald R. Miller, 22, and Heather N. Smith, 20, both of 605 Chouteau, Granite City, were charged Friday with first-degree murder and aggravated battery to a child. They are accused of putting 3-month-old Ashton Miller to sleep face-down on a couch on Oct. 26, where he suffocated to death.

According to the Madison County coroner's office, Ashton had multiple bruises on his body at the time of his death. Lt. Mike Dixon of the Madison County Sheriff's Office said it was the state's attorney's opinion that the parents' neglect constituted "actions likely to cause death."

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"They both had physical care of the child at the time of his death," Dixon said.

In addition, Dixon said family members had warned Miller and Smith that the child should not be placed face-down on the couch, and they ignored that advice.

Madison County Circuit Judge Charles Romani set bail at $1 million each. Both remained in custody Friday afternoon at the Madison County Jail.

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