“This Is Disgusting”: 5-Month-Old Passes Away After Parents’ “Pseudoscience” Goes Tragically Wrong

An Arizona couple, Temaure Stanley, 25, and Janiece Brooks, 26, are facing possible prison time after their youngest child was found unresponsive at the family’s residence in Phoenix, Arizona. 

On July 28, 2023, 5-month-old Tresure Stanley was rushed to the hospital after her mother called 911. The baby reportedly weighed 6.6 pounds at the time of her passing, far below the healthy range for her age.

The couple’s other three older children, aged 2 to 5, were also hospitalized, and the cause of the tragedy was later discovered to be a misinformed diet. 

“We chose this diet for good health,” Stanley stated in court in December 2025. 

An unconventional diet claimed the life of a 5-month-old Arizona infant

Phoenix police supervisor vehicle parked outside with mountains and buildings in the background during daytime

Image credits: mesa0789

Although the cause of the tragedy was undetermined, investigators found signs of chronic malnutrition in all four children. In a report from the Arizona Department of Child Safety, malnutrition/neglect was cited as one of the potential factors contributing to the infant’s demise. 

The couple allegedly fed their four children, including deceased daughter Tresure, a strict “alkaline diet,” which is suspected to have resulted in the latter losing her life.

Toddler in high chair being fed by sibling, highlighting risks of pseudoscience and tragic outcomes in infant care.

Image credits: AMSW Photography – Alisha Smith Watkins/Pexels (Not the actual image)

According to Cleveland Clinic, an alkaline diet is based on the scientifically unproven notion that moving one’s body chemistry from acidic to alkaline results in health benefits, including weight loss.

While it is considered a pseudoscience, those who practice this diet believe it can cure diseases and detoxify the body by primarily focusing on alkaline-promoting foods like fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes.

Screenshot of a critical social media comment about parents’ pseudoscience linked to 5-month-old passing away.

Assorted healthy foods on a table symbolizing nutrition amid a story about pseudoscience causing infant tragedy.

Image credits: Freepik (Not the actual image)

Court reports show that the couple distrusted traditional medical care. Stanley and Brooks admitted that they did not believe in vaccines. Prosecutors revealed that the couple instead relied on an extreme version of the alkaline diet, which lacked fat, protein, and fortified foods. 

As a result, the children faced malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies, while the parents viewed the rapid weight loss as a sign of the diet being beneficial for them. 

Comment criticizing pseudoscience after 5-month-old's tragic passing, urging accountability for parent's choices.

Temaure Stanley and Janiece Brooks could face life in prison

Five-month-old baby sitting in a high chair with scattered baby food, highlighting risks of pseudoscience parenting choices.

Image credits: Freepik (Not the actual image)

Following the tragic incident, Stanley and Brooks were arrested and indicted on charges of first-degree homicide and four counts of child abuse. The couple later met with prosecutors on December 1, 2025, to discuss a plea deal, which includes a sixteen-year prison sentence.

Comment highlighting fatphobia’s role in the tragic passing of a 5-month-old due to parents’ pseudoscience beliefs.

Text post discussing a friend offended by a compliment on her chunky baby, with mention of healthy chunky babies.

As part of the agreement, the homicide charges against the parents have been dropped. However, since the children were below the age of 15, each count of child abuse can reportedly lead to a ten to twenty-four-year prison sentence.

The surviving siblings, who faced medical conditions such as rickets, osteopenia, vitamin D deficiency, and significant developmental delays, were placed in foster care. Stanley and Brooks are currently awaiting sentencing, which is scheduled for January 16, 2026. 

Medical misinformation is at the root of the infant health scares

Various baby foods with fruits, vegetables, and spoons arranged on a blue surface representing infant nutrition and feeding.

Image credits: Freepik (Not the actual image)

The tragic ordeal highlights the growing issue regarding medical misinformation among parents. According to research conducted by Healthline, claims that an alkaline diet can boost health by altering pH levels have been seemingly debunked. 

On the other hand, “It would be prudent to consider an alkaline diet to reduce morbidity and mortality of chronic disease,” states a report from the National Library of Medicine, suggesting an alkaline diet can have health benefits.

Screenshot of a social media comment criticizing parents for relying on pseudoscience leading to a 5-month-old passing away.

Two bowls on a gray surface, one with popcorn labeled bad and one with nuts labeled good, highlighting pseudoscience risks.

Image credits: Freepik (Not the actual image)

An alkaline diet was also falsely suggested as a remedy for the coronavirus and said to slow down the growth and development of cancer cells. However, there is also no scientific proof to substantiate these claims.

Person holding tablet displaying nutrition facts chart, unrelated to 5-month-old passing away due to pseudoscience issues.

Image credits: Freepik (Not the actual image)

Nonetheless, the misinformation regarding the dietary plan has led tosimilar health scares for infants in the USA. Between August 2020 and February 2021, three babies were hospitalized after they were fed a homemade formula based on the alkaline diet.

A 9-month-old boy was diagnosed with rickets and iodine deficiency. He also faced delays in the development of his gross and fine motor skills. 

Comment by Brian L Jackson highlighting public scientific ignorance as a threat to public safety related to pseudoscience.

Woman in casual clothes selecting fresh peaches at a market, illustrating a story on pseudoscience and tragic consequences.

Image credits: Freepik (Not the actual image)

Woman in grocery store reading label on packaged cheese near refrigerated dairy section shelves.

Image credits: Freepik (Not the actual image)

Similarly, another 5-month-old boy was diagnosed with rickets after being fed a homemade formula made of coconut water, hemp seed hearts, dates, sea moss gel, and alkaline water. 

In another instance, a 4-month-old boy was hospitalized with respiratory distress and diagnosed with rickets after following a similar dietary plan.

“It’s truly horrendous”: Internet reacts to the infant’s passing

Screenshot of a social media post expressing sadness over a 5-month-old passing after parents' pseudoscience goes wrong.

Image credits: SammmmBB_

Tweet screenshot discussing a 5-month-old passing away due to parents’ pseudoscience causing tragic child deaths.

Image credits: ProgCan1234777

Screenshot of a tweet discussing misinformation and pseudoscience related to wellness and harmful info on social platforms.

Image credits: tupawdrebuey

Tweet by John Grono criticizing media and pharma, highlighting dangers of pseudoscience leading to tragic consequences in infant care.

Image credits: john_grono

Tweet from Bruce R. Long expressing concern about suffering while alive in response to pseudoscience tragedy involving 5-month-old.

Image credits: brucerdity

Tweet discussing parents neglecting a 5-month-old's health leading to tragic consequences due to pseudoscience beliefs.

Image credits: Chrystalos

Tweet from MD Ryan Marino condemning pseudoscience causing harm and disability to children highlighting urgent societal change needed.

Image credits: ryanmarino.bsky.social

Tweet from AlanPadres questioning why call 9-1-1 if distrustful of medical establishment, related to pseudoscience tragedy.

Image credits: alanpadres.bsky.social

Tweet from user Moon Gazing Raccoon criticizing rising infant and maternal mortality rates in America with a dark humor tone.

Image credits: banditpaws.com

Screenshot of a social media post criticizing parents' pseudoscience related to a 5-month-old infant passing away.

Image credits: izabella2001.bsky.social

Tweet criticizing lack of control linked to pseudoscience, highlighting tragic consequences for a 5-month-old infant.

Image credits: lngnstrt.bsky.social

Twitter post by user Helen expressing disbelief that people sympathize with parents whose pseudoscience went tragically wrong causing baby's death.

Image credits: helenm40.bsky.social

Tweet expressing frustration over parents' pseudoscience leading to 5-month-old's death from improper alkaline diet.

Image credits: hipstersasquatch.bsky.social

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