Albuquerque mother pleads guilty to abandonment that led to her child’s death

ALBUQUERQUE, NM (KRQE) – After a toddler died of a cocaine overdose, his mother was charged with murder. On Thursday afternoon, 47-year-old Kreshenna Delaney appeared in court to plead guilty to the crime. The mother of three pleaded guilty to three counts related to the death of her two-year-old daughter.

“The plea is as follows: You plead guilty to abandonment of a child under the age of 13 resulting in death. A second-degree felony resulting in death,” said Judge Bruce F. Fox.

Last year, on May 16, Kreshenna Delaney brought her unresponsive two-year-old child to an Albuquerque hospital, where doctors said the child died of a cocaine overdose.

Delaney admitted to selling the drug from her home. After finding her child unconscious, she drove to Lovelace Women’s Hospital. There, a security camera showed her waiting in the car for two and a half minutes before walking across the parking lot to the entrance.

“I really appreciate you taking responsibility today. The same goes for you as an attorney. I know of cases like this where a parent, who is most likely a loving parent, makes the mistake of bringing narcotics into the home. So I appreciate your work in this case as well,” said Judge Fox.

Delaney also pleaded guilty to two counts of child abuse involving her other two children. Judge Fox ordered a 60-day evaluation for Delaney because he feared her erratic behavior could be a mental health issue. Sentencing will follow the evaluation. She faces up to 21 years in prison.