Father Sentenced to 22 years in toddler’s heatstroke death

Christopher Martin McLean, 35, of Westville, has been sentenced to 22 years in prison after entering a no-contest plea to charges related to the death of his 23-month-old daughter, according to an announcement from State Attorney Larry Basford. The charges include Aggravated Manslaughter of a Child, Aggravated Child Abuse, Possession of Methamphetamine, and Resisting an Officer without Violence. Circuit Court Judge Russell Roberts adjudicated McLean guilty on all counts and imposed the prison term.

The incident occurred on May 16, 2023, when McLean and the child’s mother, Kathreen June Adams, 24, returned home under the influence of methamphetamine after midnight. Prosecutors indicated that both parents failed to remove the toddler from Adams’ vehicle, leaving the child there until mid-afternoon. The child ultimately died of hyperthermia, with a recorded body temperature of approximately 107 degrees. Holmes County Sheriff’s Office deputies were called to the residence around 3 p.m., where they discovered the unresponsive child.

Adams previously pleaded guilty to Aggravated Manslaughter of a Child, Possession of Methamphetamine, and Aggravated Child Abuse. She is awaiting sentencing. Prosecutors noted that Adams admitted during questioning that she and McLean left the toddler in the vehicle while bringing another child inside. Both parents then fell asleep after using methamphetamine. Adams later discovered the child unresponsive in the car and informed law enforcement. McLean allegedly encouraged Adams to misrepresent the circumstances, initially claiming the child had been found in her bed.

Prosecutor Peter Overstreet presented evidence and witness testimony that highlighted the role of drug use in the events leading up to the child’s death. Overstreet stated that the parents purchased and used methamphetamine before picking up their children from a babysitter. Upon returning home, the toddler was left in the vehicle while the parents fell asleep. Overstreet described the case as a tragic example of how drug addiction can result in devastating consequences.

State Attorney Basford acknowledged the Holmes County Sheriff’s Office for its investigative efforts, which he believes were instrumental in securing the convictions.