Mother charged in Stanwood toddler’s fentanyl overdose death

In a tragic case that has garnered significant attention, Morgan Bassett has been charged with first-degree manslaughter following the accidental death of her 1½-year-old daughter from a fentanyl overdose in January 2022. On January 12, Bassett reportedly purchased $100 worth of counterfeit oxycodone pills, which she smoked while her daughter was nearby. Two days later, she awoke to find her daughter blue and non-responsive, prompting her to call 911 and perform CPR until help arrived. Investigators found additional drugs, including methamphetamine, scattered throughout the bedroom. An autopsy revealed a high level of fentanyl in the toddler's bloodstream, confirming the cause of death as acute fentanyl intoxication.

This incident underscores the growing concern among local authorities about the rise of accidental overdoses in children, as similar cases have been reported in the region. Bassett is currently awaiting arraignment and, if convicted, faces a prison sentence of 6½ to 8½ years. The case has sparked important conversations about the dangers of drug exposure to children and the urgent need for preventive measures in the community.