CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE – A Villas woman was charged Thursday, May 9, with manslaughter and endangering the welfare of a child surrounding the 2023 death of her six-month-old son.
Cape May County Prosecutor Jeffrey H. Sutherland and Chief Kevin Lewis of the Lower Township Police Department announced the arrest of Michelle Stanton, 29, of the Villas section of Lower Township.
In a press release issued Friday morning, Sutherland said the arrest stemmed from an investigation for a call for service on June 25, 2023, by Lower Township Police to Stanton’s residence in the 200 East block of Wilde Avenue, Villas. Lower Township Police found an unconscious and unresponsive six-month-old male, later identified as Christian Carty, Stanton’s son, according to the prosecutor. Carty was taken to the Cape Regional Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased. An investigation was initiated by the Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit and the Lower Township Police Department Detective Division concerning the death.
On May 9, Stanton was taken into custody without incident by members of the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit and the Lower Township Police Department. Stanton was transported to the Lower Township Police Department where she was processed and charged with endangering the welfare of a child and manslaughter, both crimes of the second degree. She was transported and lodged at the Cape May Regional Correctional Facility and subsequently released pending further court appearances.
A person convicted of a second-degree crime is subject to a term of imprisonment of 5 to 10 years. Sutherland commended the assistant prosecutor and detectives involved “for their commitment to seeking justice and understanding in the face of heartbreaking circumstances. It is a testament to their professionalism and compassion. Through their tireless efforts, they not only investigate but advocate for the voiceless, ensuring that every avenue is explored to bring
closure to grieving families.”
Anyone who has information concerning this case or any illegal activity within the community are urged to report it anonymously through the Cape May County Sheriff’s Tip Line at
cmcsheriff.net or through the Cape May County Crime Stoppers, (609) 465-2800 or the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office at (609) 465-1135.
