Staff report

SALISBURY — An 18-year-old mother and her ex-boyfriend face murder and felony child abuse charges in connection to the death of her 8-week-old son July 30, 2016, at a home in Rockwell.

Authorities arrested the woman Friday evening and took the estranged boyfriend into custody close to noon Saturday.

Amber Lane Scarborough, 18, was located and arrested Friday evening at 2675 Lowerstone Church Road near Rockwell. She was processed and placed in the Rowan County Detention Center under no bond.

The Rowan County Sheriff’s Office reported having Houston Ray McCarn, 20, in custody Saturday after initially asking for the public’s help in locating him. He also is being held under no bond.

The couple face the murder and child abuse charges in connection with the death of infant Kingston Daniel Aistrop, the son of Scarborough. The baby died at 120 Van St., Rockwell, where Scarborough and McCarn reportedly were living at the time.

The couple broke up not long after the infant’s death, according to reports.

An autopsy from the N.C. Medical Examiner’s Office said the infant died from blunt force trauma to the head. The autopsy narrative said the baby was found unresponsive about five hours after being fed and put to sleep in his bassinet.

Scarborough called 911 about 8:15 a.m. July 30, 2016, and Rowan County EMS responders performed CPR on the baby at the Van Street home but could not revive him.

That day, detectives processed the scene and questioned the couple. The case remained an active investigation. Detectives consulted with the Rowan County District Attorney’s office while waiting for autopsy findings and analysis of evidence processed at the State Crime Laboratory.

Additional witnesses also were interviewed. Reports said Scarborough and McCarn were questioned one more time after the autopsy report came back.