S.C. mother charged in toddler’s death after feeding her salt

SPARTANBURG, S.C. — A South Carolina mother is accused of killing her 17-month-old daughter by feeding her a teaspoon of salt.

Peyton Martines was taken off life support Wednesday afternoon, a day after being declared brain dead, said Spartanburg County Coroner Rusty Clevenger.

Charges against Kimberly Martines, 23, of Fingerville, have been upgraded to homicide by child abuse. She was previously charged with felony child abuse.

Solicitor Barry Barnette told local media outlets that Martines fed the toddler salt to try to win her husband’s affection. The two are separated.

“She basically did that to try and get her husband’s attention — to get him back into her life,” the prosecutor said.

Peyton was hospitalized Sunday. Martines told investigators she awoke that day to hear Peyton screaming.

The sheriff’s office says doctors told deputies the salt caused the toddler to have seizures and a high fever.

According to arrest warrants, a pediatrician was concerned in November because Peyton was not gaining weight. But Martines ignored the doctor’s referrals to a specialist and BabyNet, a state program that helps babies with developmental delays.

Deputies say a twin sister of the toddler and second sibling are in protective custody.

It wasn’t known if Martines has a lawyer.