A Georgia mother has been indicted on second-degree murder and cruelty to children following the tragic death of her infant son, who suffered severe burns from being exposed to a hair dryer. Morgan Alyson Creel, 32, was charged after first responders found her six-week-old son, Carsynn Creel, unresponsive at their home on Kildare Court, Newnan, on November 9, 2023.
Authorities responded to the distress call at around 2:30 p.m., where they discovered the infant with significant burns on his right side. According to reports from Law&Crime, Creel told deputies she had fallen asleep after using the hair dryer to warm her son's feet and was unaware of the danger posed.'
During their investigation, law enforcement officials expressed doubts about Creel's version of events. The autopsy report indicated the baby had suffered severe burns, which led to his death. An incident report from the Coweta County Sheriff’s Office noted the unusual circumstances surrounding the incident; Creel was reportedly found standing at the back door of her home when deputies arrived. Also found on the premises was marijuana paraphernalia, raising concerns about her state of mind.
Creel's explanation—that the hair dryer was intended to provide warmth—was met with skepticism. Subsequent investigations revealed the outdoor temperature at the time to be around 68°F, making the need for such extreme measures to warm the infant questionable at best. Creel’s choice to use the hair dryer and to fall asleep with it running led officials to believe her actions were reckless.
“She told deputies her son... was unresponsive with his onesie partially pulled down,” reported Law&Crime, illustrating the condition of the infant when emergency personnel arrived. The report continued to show the gravity of the situation, as the officers attempted to perform CPR on the severely burned child but were unsuccessful.
Following the incident, investigators dug deep, eventually concluding Creel had been under the influence of drugs at the time of the event. The indictment included claims of causing “cruel and excessive physical and mental pain,” which came to light as they looked at her behavior prior to the incident. Creel had already faced legal troubles, including another arrest for driving under the influence just months after her son's death.
Nearly a year later, Creel was apprehended for DUI again, exhibiting erratic driving patterns which she attributed to sneezing. Officers, alarmed by her condition, discontinued sobriety tests for her safety and took her to custody. Her previous charges lingered as law enforcement continued to build the case against her following the death of her son.
Grand jurors learned about Creel's drug use and questionable parenting decisions during the investigation. A recent indictment emphasized, “...did cause cruel and excessive physical and mental pain by leaving a blow-dryer on, and blowing heated air near said child,” according to additional sources, highlighting the negligence attributed to her actions.
Though Creel was initially charged with cruelty to children after her son’s death, the recent developments have escalated the charges to include second-degree murder. This signifies the serious nature with which the legal system is treating this case, as they attempt to hold her accountable for what they deem reckless behavior.
Creel was booked at the Coweta County Jail on January 24 but was reported to be absent from inmate listings as of late January 2025. The lack of clarity surrounding her legal representation adds to the complexity of the case as it progresses through the court system.
This incident not only raises serious questions about Creel’s choices—but also ignites broader discussions about the responsibilities of parents, the dangers of substance use, and the measures needed to protect vulnerable children. The heart-wrenching loss of young lives often compels society to seek changes to laws and support services aimed at preventing such tragedies.
The narrative surrounding Morgan Alyson Creel's case serves as both a pivotal warning and a tragedy—one where the line between negligence and malice might blur, but for many, the consequences are crystal clear. Such instances demand our collective attention to advocate for child safety and responsible parenting.