Pierce County man sentenced for daughter's fentanyl overdose death

Evan Hodge, a 34-year-old man from Spanaway, was sentenced to 102 months in prison for the first-degree manslaughter of his toddler daughter, Nanette Hodge, who died from a fentanyl overdose. The sentencing took place in Pierce County Superior Court, where Judge Matthew Thomas acknowledged the case's tragic nature, particularly because the victim was a small child. Hodge initially claimed to have been clean for a significant period, but later admitted to using meth and heroin the night before he found his daughter unresponsive. Investigators determined that Nanette had accessed fentanyl pills that belonged to him, raising serious concerns about the dangers of drug use in households with children. Lilliana Peden, Nanette's mother, delivered an emotional statement condemning Hodge for failing to protect their daughter and for creating the dangerous environment that led to her death.

In his own remarks, Hodge expressed profound remorse, stating he would not seek forgiveness as he felt he did not deserve it. This heartbreaking scenario serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of addiction on families and communities. The case has drawn attention to the urgent need for better drug prevention and education efforts.