Bixby, Oklahoma Mom Sarah Jamison Accused of Child Neglect in Death of 5-Month-Old Son Barrett Halford

A tragic case out of Bixby, Oklahoma, has left a community reeling. Sarah Jamison, a local mother, has been charged with child neglect after her 5-month-old son, Barrett Halford, died when she reportedly passed out drunk while co-sleeping with him.

Bixby police responded to the family’s home around 5:44 a.m. on October 18, 2025. According to a probable cause affidavit, officers found the baby’s father performing CPR on Barrett, who was gray and unresponsive.

Police reported attempting to wake Jamison for roughly two minutes by yelling, shaking the bed, and shining a flashlight on her. She reportedly smelled of alcohol, had slurred speech, and needed assistance walking to the couch.

Jamison allegedly told officers, “If my kid is dead, I might as well be too,” and, “I said I needed help, I tried to get help.” She later admitted that she didn’t remember anything after drinking a six-pack of Voodoo Ranger Juice Force beer and taking a shot of rum the night before, according to NewsOn6.

The mother explained that she had abstained from alcohol during her pregnancy but resumed drinking about six weeks after giving birth. She said she had been struggling with postpartum symptoms, more severely than with her previous children.

Officials reported that the baby’s father returned home around 10 p.m. the night before the incident. The couple had been drinking together before Jamison took the baby to bed while he stayed on the couch. He later found Barrett under Jamison’s shoulder, not breathing, and immediately called 911 while performing CPR.

According to the affidavit, both parents admitted to regularly co-sleeping with the infant. At 8:45 a.m., Jamison’s blood was drawn at the hospital, revealing a blood alcohol content of .309.

While co-sleeping can feel like a natural bonding practice, experts warn it carries serious risks. The primary dangers include suffocation, entrapment, and falls, which increase the likelihood of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) and other sleep-related deaths. Hazards often stem from soft bedding, adults accidentally rolling onto the baby, or the infant becoming trapped between a mattress and furniture.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that infants sleep in the same room as parents but in a separate bassinet or crib for at least the first six months. Following these guidelines significantly reduces the risk of SIDS, particularly in the earliest months of life.

An online obituary identified the deceased infant as Barrett Halford, stating that he “brought immense joy, laughter, and light into our lives.”

If you or someone you know is struggling with postpartum depression or thoughts of self-harm, contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.