LANCASTER, Pa. — A Lancaster woman accused of causing the death of her three-month-old child while using cocaine to stay awake has waived her preliminary hearing, allowing her case to proceed to county court, authorities said Thursday.
Luz Linette Saez, 32, is facing felony charges of involuntary manslaughter and endangering the welfare of children. The charges stem from an incident on August 30, 2024, when police were called to Saez’s residence on South Lime Street and discovered the infant deceased.
An autopsy determined the child died from complications of asphyxia due to co-sleeping. Investigators say Saez admitted to using cocaine the previous day to remain awake and care for her children but fell asleep with the baby in her arms. She awoke nearly 12 hours later to find the infant unresponsive, lying face down on the bed.
A search of Saez’s home uncovered suspected crack cocaine and drug paraphernalia, and a voluntary drug test conducted days later confirmed Saez had cocaine in her system. Police noted that Saez appeared to fall asleep repeatedly during her initial interview.
Court records also revealed that Lancaster County Children and Youth Agency had received a referral in May that the baby had tested positive for cocaine at birth. The report also noted concerns about Saez falling asleep while holding the newborn in the hospital.
Saez remains in Lancaster County Prison without bail, with officials citing concerns for the safety of her surviving children and the severity of the charges.
The case will now proceed to the Lancaster County Court of Common Pleas, where Saez will face trial.