Tacoma mother charged after 5-year-old son dies from fentanyl overdose in squalid home

Tacoma mother Jordan Elizabeth Shank has been charged with first-degree manslaughter after her 5-year-old son died from a fentanyl overdose in their unsanitary home. On March 13, emergency personnel found the child unresponsive, and he was pronounced dead shortly thereafter. Investigators described the residence as dirty and lacking running water, with clear evidence of drug use. Shank confessed to detectives that she and her boyfriend had used fentanyl, and she had used the drug the day prior to her son's death. The toxicology report confirmed the presence of fentanyl in the child's system, indicating acute toxicity as the cause of death.

The Medical Examiner found no traumatic injuries but noted several contusions on the child's body. Shank has also been charged with driving without a license and theft, with her current location unknown as the investigation proceeds. The rise in fentanyl-related incidents among children has sparked concern within the community and law enforcement.