WHITE CLOUD, Mich. -- FOX 17 News has learned that asphyxia and "unsafe sleep conditions" caused the death in May of baby Natallya Rich, who was found dead in the basement crawlspace of her grandmother's home.
The death certificate filed in Newaygo County says Natallya died "after being moved into the prone sleep position while sharing a sleep surface with an adult."
You might remember that Matthew Bradley, who identified himself as the baby's father, was charged in connection with this case, but not with the death of the baby.
Bradley pleaded guilty on Tuesday of Concealing Death as a Habitual Offender, second offense. He faces sentencing August 24 in Newaygo County Circuit Court.
Natallya Rich’s body was found in the early morning hours of May 13 in the basement of her grandmother’s White Cloud home. According to probable cause testimony, Bradley admitted he was on drugs like meth, norco pills and morphine on the days before and after she died.
Bradley allegedly told investigators that he was in charge of watching Natallya on Saturday, May 9 when her mother, Brittany Rich, went to work. He claims that he took a nap, and when he woke up the baby was unresponsive. He said he tried CPR on the baby but it didn’t work.
He allegedly hid Natallya’s body- in her car seat- in the crawl space of the basement. When Brittany returned home, he told her the baby was sleeping. He told police he was too afraid to tell anyone.
