Prosecutor: Baby Dies After High Mom Rolls on Top of Her
Lisa Scalia with her daughter (Facebook) / Lisa Scalia mugshot (Atlantic County)
The Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office has announced the death of seven-month-old Ventnor girl Olaia Marie Mejia after her mother allegedly rolled on top of her while she was high.
Lisa Scalia, 30, was charged with endangering the welfare of a child and four counts of drug possession after paramedics responded to her home on January 3rd, finding the child unresponsive. The infant was originally treated at the AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center before being transferred to St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children here in Philadelphia, where she died on Friday.
In light of the child’s death, Scalia could face additional and much more serious charges depending on the results of an autopsy being conducted by the Philadelphia Medical Examiner’s Office. According to prosecutors, Scalia was high on drugs when she rolled on top of the baby. She was allegedly found in possession of synthetic opioid Suboxone, oxycodone, heroin and Lyrica.
The baby’s father, Marco Mejia, has taken to Facebook both to mourn the loss of his infant daughter but also to ask for compassion for Scalia.
“With a heavy heart I would like to inform everyone that my baby girl, my heart and soul, my lil miracle baby, has left to be with God,” he wrote on Friday. “She was pronounced dead at 8:30 this morning…. we thank u for all the prayers, love and support I am sure Olaia heard them…. I have decided to allow my babies organs to be donated with the hope that she will bring a miracle to another family.”
And on Sunday, as news of the baby’s death spread, he had this to say:
Please everyone remember that Lisa Marie loved Olaia Marie … she definitely made the biggest mistake anyone can make but I refuse to believe she did this horrible act on purpose… no one is in more pain than me except probably her… if I can forgive her I know everyone can forgive her… Please pray for her as well.. Thank you everyone for all the love
Scalia is being held in Atlantic County Jail in lieu of $100,000 bail.
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