Updated: 08/11/2009 5:44 PM KSTP.com | Print |  Email
By: Becky Nahm

Lakeville Woman Charged in Grandson's Death

A Lakeville woman was charged with two counts of manslaughter for allegedly smothering her 6-week-old grandson.

Tina Louis Miller-Steiner, 45, was accused of rolling over onto Evan Michael Berney while she slept on May 9.

Miller-Steiner was babysitting Berney. She told investigators she laid down next to him to feed him and fell asleep. Her 12-year-old daughter woke her up when she noticed the baby was pale and not breathing.

The Dakota County Attorney said Miller-Steiner was taking three prescription medications at the time. She told police that, despite her doctor's orders not to drink while taking the medicine, she drank part of a glass of wine and two martinis before lying down.

According to prosecutors, a lab test showed Miller-Steiner's blood alcohol level was .08 four hours after she called 911. At that level, people are considered too drunk to drive. The lab test also found a therapeutic dose of Prozac in her blood.

Miller-Steiner faces one count of manslaughter in the second degree for neglect of a child and a second count for endangerment of a child. The maximum penalty for each is ten years in prison and a $20,000 fine.

Miller-Steiner made her first court appearance Tuesday. Bail was set at $200,000 without conditions or $20,000 with conditions. She'll be back in court Aug. 25.