Charges Filed Seven Months After Infant's Death

A Kalamazoo woman is facing two felony charges in the death of a 3-month-old baby who died last November after what investigators say was an overdose of an over-the-counter medication.

Tonette Daytonya Sigsbee, 33, was arrested on Thursday, June 18, after the Kalamazoo County Prosecutor's Office authorized a two-count felony warrant. She was arraigned Monday before Judge Becket J. Jones in 8th District Court and granted a $100,000 personal recognizance bond.

Sigsbee is charged with involuntary manslaughter and tampering with evidence in connection with the death of Brooklyn Ja'veil Jackson.

The Night Brooklyn Died

The investigation began at 2:12 p.m. on Nov. 5, 2025, when officers with the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety (KDPS) responded to a report that a baby was not breathing in the 3000 block of Heatherdowns Lane.

According to KDPS, officers found the infant unresponsive and without a pulse. First responders began lifesaving measures and transported Brooklyn to Bronson Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

Surveillance footage showed Sigsbee telling neighbors that Brooklyn was not breathing, which prompted a 911 call at 2:11 p.m., according to court records obtained by WWMT.

Autopsy Reveals Benadryl Overdose

The Kalamazoo County Medical Examiner's Office ruled the death a homicide on March 24, 2026, after a months-long police investigation.

An autopsy revealed the infant died from an overdose of diphenhydramine, the active ingredient in Benadryl. Court records state the amount found in the infant's system was not recommended by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for a child under 2 years old.

Sigsbee was caring for Brooklyn at the time while the child's biological mother was not home. Investigators allege she delayed seeking medical attention for the infant.

According to the arrest affidavit, maintenance workers knocked on the apartment door while Brooklyn was already unresponsive, but no one answered.

Evidence Tampering Allegations

Investigators allege Sigsbee removed and manipulated surveillance equipment and video footage before police arrived at the scene.

Electronic records showed multiple logins to the camera system while officers and detectives were still processing the scene, according to investigators cited by WWMT. Police also allege Sigsbee left the apartment several times after discovering Brooklyn was unresponsive.

What Happens Next

A preliminary examination is scheduled for July 8.

"We are deeply grateful for the diligence and unwavering commitment of our investigators, who worked tirelessly to uncover the truth in this heartbreaking case," Captain Danielle Guilds of KDPS' Criminal Investigations Division said in a statement. "While no outcome can ease their loss, we hope these charges represent a step toward justice."

Police are asking anyone with information about the case to contact:

  • KDPS Criminal Investigations: 269-337-8139
  • Kalamazoo Silent Observer tip line: 269-343-2100
  • P3Tips app or online at www.KalamazooSilentObserver.com

Information can be provided anonymously through the Silent Observer tip line.