Family Members Sentenced After Infant Found Dead in Reynolds Station Home

Infant Declared Missing and Later Found Deceased

On June 6, 2024, Kentucky State Police declared 8-month-old Miya Rudd missing following a welfare check at the home where she lived with her family in Reynolds Station, Kentucky. During that welfare check, officers arrested the child's mother, 29-year-old Tesla Tucker, and father, 30-year-old Cage Rudd.

Police reported that both parents were taken into custody for first-degree possession of a controlled substance identified as fentanyl, possession of drug paraphernalia, and abandonment of a minor. Later the same day, authorities charged Tesla Tucker and Cage Rudd with multiple additional crimes related to the trafficking of methamphetamine out of their residence.

Discovery of Child’s Body and Autopsy Findings

On June 14, 2024, troopers with the Kentucky State Police discovered the decomposing body of 8-month-old Miya Rudd inside the Rudd-Tucker home in Reynolds Station. Police stated that the child’s remains were concealed within a duffel bag in the residence.

According to information reported by WFIE, an autopsy performed on the infant revealed the presence of methamphetamine in her bloodstream. Authorities continued their investigation in connection with the child’s death and the alleged drug activity at the home.

Additional Arrests Linked to the Residence

Following the initial arrests of the parents, Kentucky State Police reported that Miya’s grandfather, 58-year-old Ricky Smith, was also arrested on numerous charges. Law enforcement later arrested additional family members and residents of the house, including 30-year-old Brodie Payne and 50-year-old Taletha Tucker. A full list of the original charges for each suspect was included in an earlier release from the Kentucky State Police.

Sentences Following Plea Deals

In early December, the first individuals arrested in connection with the case were sentenced after accepting plea deals, according to WFIE. Ricky Smith, who had initially faced 18 counts of various crimes, was ultimately found guilty of trafficking a controlled substance as a result of the plea agreement.

Authorities reported that 30-year-old Brodie Payne was found guilty of trafficking a controlled substance and wanton endangerment. Payne received two five-year sentences, which will be served concurrently.

Ongoing Charges for Child’s Parents

As of the time referenced in the report, Miya’s parents, 29-year-old Tesla Tucker and 30-year-old Cage Rudd, were still facing murder charges in addition to other counts. Kentucky State Police indicated that details of all original charges against each suspect were provided in their initial public release.