Minnesota dad charged after infant son suffocates under weighted blanket

Father allegedly left 10-month-old unattended for hours while chatting on Discord

Apr. 9, 2026 at 3:34am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a baby's hand partially obscured by a heavy, textured blanket, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the suffocation of an infant under a weighted blanket.A harsh, investigative image of the tragic consequences when infants are left unattended with heavy bedding.Mankato Today

A 26-year-old Minnesota man has been charged with second-degree manslaughter after his 10-month-old son, Remington, suffocated under a weighted blanket while the father was in another room chatting on Discord for nearly five hours. Police say Omni Maxx Morningstar put the baby down for a nap and failed to check on him, leading to the infant's death.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the dangers of leaving infants unattended for extended periods, as well as the potential risks of using weighted blankets on young children. It also raises questions about parental responsibility and the need for better education and support around safe sleep practices.

The details

According to court documents, Morningstar put his son down for a nap around 11 a.m. on October 1, 2025, and did not check on him until around 3:55 p.m., when he found the baby unresponsive and overheated under the weighted blanket. First responders attempted life-saving efforts, but the child was pronounced dead at a local hospital. The medical examiner determined the cause of death was asphyxia due to compression from the weighted blanket.

  • On October 1, 2025, Morningstar put his 10-month-old son down for a nap around 11 a.m.
  • Around 3:55 p.m. the same day, Morningstar found his son unresponsive and overheated under the weighted blanket.
  • Morningstar is due back in court on April 16, 2026.

The players

Omni Maxx Morningstar

A 26-year-old Minnesota man charged with second-degree manslaughter in the death of his 10-month-old son, Remington.

Remington

Morningstar's 10-month-old son who died after being left unattended under a weighted blanket.

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What they’re saying

“I really do wish I would have checked on him.”

— Omni Maxx Morningstar

What’s next

Morningstar is being held in the Blue Earth County Jail and is due back in court on April 16, 2026, where a judge will determine if he will be released on bail.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the critical importance of active supervision and safe sleep practices for infants. It serves as a sobering reminder for all parents to prioritize the wellbeing of their children and avoid distractions that could lead to devastating consequences.