REYNOLDS STATION, Ky. — A suspect in the case of the death of an 8-month-old is facing new charges as of Wednesday, according to the Kentucky State Police (KSP).
Taletha Tucker, 50, of Owensboro, is now facing additional charges of criminal abuse in the 1st degree - child under 12, controlled substance endangerment to child and hindering prosecution or apprehension in the 1st degree.
Her charges are in connection to the death of 8-month-old Miya Rudd who, after going missing in April, wasn't seen for months. In June she was found dead under a pile of debris, according to Kentucky State Police (KSP).
KSP's investigation showed Taletha Tucker, who had custody of her daughters children, violated a court order established by Department of Community Based Services before the investigation began.
They said a hair follicle sample was taken from each child and two of the three children returned positive for methamphetamine and cannabis.
KSP says Taletha Tucker allowed the children to stay with Tesla Tucker in Reynolds Station which violated the order and the children came in contact with the substances.
On Wednesday, authorities say Taletha Tucker provided a large sum of money to her daughter and Miya's father in an effort "to avoid apprehension from law enforcement" at the beginning of the investigation.
Detectives began looking into what happened to Miya Rudd in the midst of another investigation into a drug operation. They traced the operation back to a house in Reynolds Station, Kentucky, and the people who lived inside.
Authorities were able to locate Miya's parents and grandfather inside an Owensboro hotel with tons of drugs, but the child was nowhere to be found at the time.
In June, law enforcement arrested Miya's parents. Miya's grandparents Taletha and David Tucker were originally arrested on charges not connected to her death.
Taletha Tucker was already facing charges as a fugitive from another state (Indiana) and David Tucker was arrested for a non-payment warrant issued in Daviess County, Ky.
The case is still under investigation. Detectives are awaiting the Medical Examiners Report and the results from Miya Rudd's autopsy.
All suspects are currently booked at the Daviess County Detention Center in Owensboro.