KDSN RADIO News
Judge Dismisses Charge Against Charter Oak Mother in Infant Death Case
A Crawford County judge has dismissed a charge against a Charter Oak woman originally accused in the death of her infant earlier this year.
According to court filings, 23-year-old Sarah Lembke was arrested in January after her baby was found unresponsive. She had been charged with child endangerment resulting in death and entered a plea of not guilty.
Subsequent investigation, however, did not support the allegation. The Crawford County Attorney asked the court in November to drop the case, citing evidence gathered after the initial charge. The request was granted on Monday, Dec. 1, and the charge against Lembke was formally dismissed.
The child’s father, 24-year-old Chad Gibbs, continues to face counts of first-degree murder and child abuse resulting in death. Prosecutors claim Gibbs inflicted the injuries that killed the baby, while Lembke failed to recognize the signs until the child’s heart stopped.
Gibbs is scheduled for trial on March 17, 2026, in Crawford County District Court.
