Rock Hill, October 16, 2025
News Summary
Shannandoah Tiffany Harris has been sentenced to 12 years in prison after using illegal drugs while pregnant, resulting in the stillbirth of her child. The court confirmed that the baby’s death was caused by acute drug intoxication from fentanyl and methamphetamine. Harris, who claimed to have participated in treatment programs while in jail, faced a much lower sentence than she could have received had she been convicted of homicide by child abuse.
Rock Hill – Shannandoah Tiffany Harris, a 27-year-old woman from Rock Hill, has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for taking illegal drugs while pregnant. The sentencing follows a plea deal in York County criminal court, which provided Harris with a reduced sentence compared to the original homicide by child abuse charge that could have resulted in a sentence of 30 years to life if she had been convicted.
In April 2023, Harris gave birth to a stillborn child after using fentanyl and methamphetamine during her pregnancy. Prosecutors confirmed that the cause of the baby’s death was acute drug intoxication. Toxicology reports revealed that the baby had fentanyl and methamphetamine in its system at the time of the stillbirth.
Harris had been jailed without bond for over two years prior to her sentencing and received credit for 819 days already served in jail. During this time, she stated in court that she had used drugs for approximately seven years but claimed to have become “clean” while in jail, participating in various drug treatment programs.
The sentencing underscores the severity of drug use during pregnancy and its potentially fatal consequences. Prosecutors characterized Harris’s actions as “very reckless behavior,” suggesting a disregard for the well-being of her unborn child. Fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid, is approximately 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. Methamphetamine is known as a highly addictive central nervous system stimulant.
The case highlights the ongoing issues surrounding drug addiction and its impacts, particularly concerning pregnant women and their children. Authorities have expressed the necessity for intervention and education on the dangers of drug use during pregnancy to prevent similar tragic outcomes in the future.
In summary, Harris’s case serves as a reminder of the serious consequences of substance abuse, especially when it comes to the health and safety of unborn children. The legal repercussions, combined with the impact on families and communities, emphasize the need for comprehensive support and treatment options for those struggling with addiction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Shannandoah Tiffany Harris sentenced for?
Shannandoah Tiffany Harris was sentenced to 12 years in prison for taking illegal drugs while pregnant.
What drugs did Harris use during her pregnancy?
Harris used fentanyl and methamphetamine during her pregnancy, leading to the stillbirth of her child.
What was determined to be the cause of the baby’s death?
The cause of the baby’s death was determined to be acute drug intoxication.
How long had Harris been in jail before her sentencing?
Harris had been jailed without bond for over two years prior to her sentencing.
What could have happened if Harris was convicted of homicide by child abuse?
If convicted of homicide by child abuse, Harris could have faced a sentence of 30 years to life.
| Key Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Sentence | 12 years in prison for drug use during pregnancy |
| Drugs Used | Fentanyl and Methamphetamine |
| Charge | Plea deal in York County Court |
| Cause of Death | Acute Drug Intoxication |
| Time Spent in Jail | Over two years without bond |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Rock Hill Woman Sentenced for Drug Use During Pregnancy
Trump Administration Intervenes in Ongoing Mifepristone Lawsuit
Additional Resources
- WSOC TV
- Wikipedia: Fentanyl
- Herald Online
- Google Search: drug addiction during pregnancy
- Herald Online: Article 306725016
- Google Scholar: drug use and pregnancy
- Herald Online: Article 306883141
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Methamphetamine
- WCNC
- Google News: consequences of drug use during pregnancy
Author: STAFF HERE ROCK HILL
The ROCK HILL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERockHill.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Rock Hill, York County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Come-See-Me Festival, Rock Hill Arts Festival, and motorsport events at the Rock Hill Velodrome. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Rock Hill Chamber of Commerce and the Culture & Heritage Museums, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and technology that power the local economy such as 3D Systems and Comporium. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
