A Silver Creek woman has been arrested in the death of her child.

According to the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, its Criminal Investigation Division began an investigation on April 29. That’s when 12-year-old Maya Smith died.

Deputies allege that Ashley C. Bertino, 36 of Silver Creek, “effectively engaged in conduct demonstrating a depraved indifference to human life, which created a grave risk of death for another person and thus caused the death of the 12-year-old child. minor victim. »

District Attorney Jason Schmidt confirmed Maya was the victim.

An arrest warrant has been issued by Hanover Municipal Court for second-degree murder.

Bertino was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Chautauqua County Jail for arraignment.

On April 30, Silver Creek School Principal Katie Ralston posted a statement on Facebook regarding Maya’s death. “Every time we face the death of a young member of our community, it impacts our entire school district. Today, counselors are available in our library all day for students needing support,” she wrote.

Schmidt said Friday afternoon that his office has been working with law enforcement since the child’s death to investigate the case. “This is the result of an ongoing investigation that began with the tragic and completely preventable death of Maya Smith in April. Since then, investigators at the Sheriff’s Office and our group at the Prosecutor’s Office have worked closely together to get to the point where the imposition of criminal charges was appropriate,” he said.

Schmidt called on the general public to speak out whenever they see possible abuse. “Each of us has a duty, if not legal, then at least moral, to be vigilant in protecting the health and safety of our children. If you see something suspicious, say so,” he said.