Grandmother facing new charges in death case of 8-month-old in Kentucky

OHIO COUNTY, Ky. – New details have been released in a case that originated in June concerning the 8-month-old that was found dead in an Ohio County home after a weeks-long search.

Miya Rudd’s body was located decomposed within the residence on June 14.

Eight total people have been arrested in connection to the death of 8-month-old Miya Rudd, who had been missing since April.

These include the child’s grandparents, 49-year-old Billie Smith, 56-year-old Ricky Smith, 53-year-old David Tucker and 50-year-old Taletha Tucker. In addition, authorities have arrested the child’s parents, Cage Rudd and Tesla Tucker. Two other people have been arrested on drug charges in separate incidents, including 37-year-old Timothy Roach and 28-year-old Brodie Payne.

Now, one person is facing additional charges.

Taletha Tucker of Owensboro has been charged with first-degree criminal abuse of a child under 12, controlled substance endangerment to a child and first-degree hindering prosecution or apprehension.

It comes after an investigation by the Kentucky State Police, where troopers say Taletha Tucker was given custody of Tesla Tuckers’ children.

Tesla was arrested back in June. Troopers say a hair follicle sample taken from each child revealed two out of three children returned positive for methamphetamine and cannabis.

KSP says they believe Taletha permitted the children to stay with Tesla, violating a court order.

They also say Taletha provided a large sum of money to Tesla and Cage Rudd to avoid their arrest at the start of the investigation.

Right now, detectives are waiting for the medical examiner’s report and results from Miya Rudd.

News 40 will provide an update on any new details related on this developing case.