Carbondale Woman Charged in Baby's Death Waives Hearing

Thalia Matos allegedly smoked embalming fluid-laced marijuana the night her 2-month-old son died in her bed.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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A 28-year-old Carbondale woman, Thalia Matos, has been charged with involuntary manslaughter and endangering the welfare of a child after her 2-month-old son, Royce Coxton, died in her bed in July 2026. Matos waived her right to a preliminary hearing, and her case has been moved to the Court of Common Pleas in Lackawanna County.

Why it matters

This case highlights the dangers of substance abuse and its potential consequences, especially when it involves the care of a vulnerable infant. It also raises questions about the availability and regulation of potentially dangerous substances like embalming fluid-laced marijuana.

The details

Police responded to Matos' apartment on July 14, 2026, for a report of an unresponsive infant. Coxton later died at a local hospital. Matos admitted to using marijuana and vaping inside her home that night. Investigators found a discolored marijuana cigarette, indicating it may have been laced with embalming fluid, a practice used to further intoxication. Matos' sister, Ashley, also said they had smoked a marijuana blunt and drank alcohol slushies. Toxicology tests showed Matos had THC and formic acid in her system.

  • On July 14, 2026, police responded to Matos' apartment for a report of an unresponsive infant.
  • Coxton later died at Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton.
  • On February 17, 2026, Matos waived her right to a preliminary hearing.
  • Matos' next court appearance is scheduled for April 10, 2026, at 9 a.m.

The players

Thalia Matos

A 28-year-old Carbondale woman who has been charged with involuntary manslaughter and endangering the welfare of a child in the death of her 2-month-old son, Royce Coxton.

Royce Coxton

Matos' 2-month-old son who died in her bed in July 2026.

Ashley Matos

Thalia Matos' sister, who said they had smoked a marijuana blunt and drank alcohol slushies the night of the incident.

Tim Rowland

The Lackawanna County Coroner who listed the cause of Coxton's death as 'asphyxia due to mechanical compression due to co-sleeping' and ruled the manner of death as homicide.

Bo Loughney

The Lackawanna County Deputy District Attorney handling Matos' case.

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What they’re saying

“Matos' conduct constituted a gross deviation from the standard of care required of a caregiver responsible for the safety and welfare of an infant, and this negligence directly contributed to the child's death.”

— Investigators (thetimes-tribune.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on April 10, 2026, whether or not to allow Thalia Matos to remain out on bail.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the critical importance of responsible parenting and the dangers of substance abuse, especially when it involves the care of an infant. It also raises broader questions about the availability and regulation of potentially dangerous substances that can be misused to further intoxication.