Authorities drop criminal charges against parents after child’s death on couch

A Kentucky couple previously facing criminal charges in the death of their 17-month-old child has been cleared following a review of home surveillance footage.

Loren Gage, 26, had been charged with murder, while her partner, Dakota Spencer, also 26, faced manslaughter charges.

The charges stemmed from the toddler’s death on July 30, 2025, at their home in Middlesboro, Kentucky. According to the Bell County Coroner’s Office, the cause of death was listed as “asphyxia consistent with co-sleeping with an adult on a couch.”

Initial reports suggested that Gage, described by authorities as “extraordinarily intoxicated,” had fallen asleep on the couch with the toddler.

Spencer was reportedly present in the room at the time. Life-saving measures were administered, and the child was transported to Middlesboro ARH Hospital, where they were later pronounced dead.

At the time, indictments alleged that Gage’s conduct directly caused the child’s death and that Spencer allowed the dangerous circumstances to occur.

Commonwealth Attorney Mike Taylor described reviewing the footage as “one of the hardest things I’ve ever done in my life,” noting that the video captured the child’s final moments.

However, a motion filed on March 20, 2026, confirmed that after reviewing the evidence, including the surveillance video, authorities concluded there was insufficient proof to support the murder and manslaughter charges.

The Bell County Commonwealth Attorney’s Office stated there was no evidence to justify first-degree manslaughter charges against Gage or a wanton murder charge against either defendant.

Both Gage and Spencer now face no criminal charges related to the incident, closing a case that drew widespread attention due to the tragic circumstances surrounding the toddler’s death.