IFN Staff

A former Mooresville resident faces murder and child abuse charges in connection with the death of a child in February 2024 following an investigation by the Mooresville Police Department.

Riley Tehy Wormington, 23, was arrested in Denver, Colo., by the U.S. Marshals Service on Tuesday, February 18, according to an MPD news release.

Wormington faces charges in connection with the death of her child, who was under the age of two, police said. The child’s name and gender were not released.

Officers responded to 407 Ridge Avenue on February 13 in response to a medical call for a child. Despite lifesaving efforts, the child did not survive, according to the news release.

MPD detectives began an investigation into the child’s death.

During the investigation, a medical examiner determined that the child had ingested a lethal does of fentanyl and died as the result of fentanyl toxicity.

Shortly after giving birth to a second child, Wormington, the mother of the deceased child, moved out of state while the investigation continued, police said.

As a result of the investigation, the MPD obtained warrants charging Wormington with second-degree murder, felony child abuse, felony possession of a schedule II controlled substance, felony maintaining a dwelling for controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Arrest warrants were also obtained for Wormington following the birth of the second child for felony child abuse, felony possession of a schedule II-controlled substance, felony maintaining a dwelling for controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Following her arrest in Denver by U.S. marshals, Wormington will be transported to Iredell County to face the charges.

The Mooresville Police Department expressed its gratitude to the U.S. Marshals Service for their assistance.