Woman arrested after investigation into infant’s death

A Chico woman was arrested May 30 following a lengthy investigation into the death of a 1-year-old infant last year.

According to Chico police, 40-year-old Christy Ann Scarbrough was arrested on charges of child abuse resulting in possible serious bodily harm or death and abuse resulting in death from “acute fentanyl intoxication,” according to a press release issued Wednesday morning.

The released said that on July 6, 2023, officers were dispatched to Enloe Medical Center for the death of an infant. Scarbrough, the infant’s mother, had taken the child to the hospital, where the infant was pronounced dead, police said.

Officers from the Butte County Sheriff’s Office and Chico Police Department began investigating the death and went to the child’s home. While searching the home, officers found fentanyl drug paraphernalia near where the child was sleeping, according to the press release.

After a lengthy investigation that included interviewing family members and collecting evidence, investigators concluded the child died from “acute fentanyl intoxication.” They obtained additional evidence suggesting Scarbrough had used fentanyl before and after the child’s death, police said.

After her arrest, Scarbrough was taken to the Butte County Jail.

Burning postponed

The controlled fire drill scheduled for Wednesday at Chico Regional Airport has been postponed to Thursday at 9 a.m.

The Chico Fire Department is assisting Chico Regional Airport with vegetation control on the airport property and will also be providing fire suppression. The fire has been postponed due to weather conditions.