2 WA parents charged in fentanyl death of 15-month-old child
Two Pierce County parents were charged with first-degree manslaughter in the death of their 15-month-old son, who died in March 2025 due to fentanyl toxicity. Emergency personnel responded to a CPR alert at their apartment, where they found the toddler unresponsive. He was taken to a hospital but died days later, with the medical examiner confirming acute fentanyl toxicity as the cause. The investigation revealed that the father tested positive for methamphetamine and fentanyl, while the mother allegedly allowed narcotics in their home, with fentanyl discovered in her car. Authorities arrested the mother on June 12, aided by the Richland Police Department, while the father remains in custody.
This case underscores the critical issues surrounding drug use and child safety in domestic settings. The charges reflect a growing trend of legal consequences for parents involved in narcotics-related incidents affecting minors. Local communities continue to grapple with the repercussions of substance abuse on family welfare and child protection.