Charges dismissed against woman accused in death of newborns

HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) — Charges have been dismissed against a Chattanooga woman accused of taking drugs and causing the death of her newborns.

According to court records, the case of Tiffany Roberts was dismissed by the Hamilton County District Attorney’s Office.

In motion to dismiss documents, it states according to Tennessee law pregnant woman are explicitly exempt from criminal homicide offenses related to a fetus or embryo they are carrying.

According to the Hamilton County District Attorney’s Office, the decision to drop the charges was made after conferring with the Hamilton County Medical Examiner’s Office. Prosecutors say the medical examiner told them  preliminary findings show the cause of death could not be linked solely with Robert’s alleged drug abuse. Therefore, prosecutors say, state law did not support going forward with the case.

She was charged with first degree murder, aggravated child abuse or neglect under Haley’s Law, with a viable fetus as a victim.

Officers say after she prematurely gave birth to twins, she tested positive for the drug ecstasy.