As investigators with the Plant City Police Department try to figure out what led a 30-year-old woman to kill her 5-week-old son, family members of Talae Thomas are asking themselves the same question.

Last Thursday, Plant City Police responded to a suspicious person call from a resident living near the intersection of West Grant and South Alexander Streets. At the scene, they found Thomas lying in the street. She reportedly told them she needed medical attention, and wanted to go to the hospital. When the officers drove to her apartment, they found 5-week-old Chase dead.

Thomas was then arrested and charged with first-degree murder and aggravated child abuse.

An aunt, Winnie Durant, said Chase was her niece’s first child.

“We have hundreds of pictures with Talae kissing and holding Chase. People have to understand that Talae was a professional, and good at her job. She really loved  her son.

“Right now, this is a time for us to come together. We’ve planned a memorial service for next Saturday, because we’re putting the emphasis on the loss of the baby right now.”

Ms. Durant describes her niece as a sweet gentle person that was suffering from mental problems.

“She was living with her dad, but wanted desperately to be on her own, especially after the baby was born.

“Talae is well educated, and her mental breakdowns started over a course of time and progressed.”

Ms. Durant said it’s important for Talae to know they love her, and want to see her to make sure she’s alright.

“This is going to be a tough holiday season for the family. Ever year some family has to go through this, and now it’s us. It’s really hard.

“We are getting together to try and make sense of all this, and at the same time giving Talae all the support we can.”