He was her favorite person. Pierce County man guilty in toddler daughters drug death

Evan Hodge, a 34-year-old man from Spanaway, has been sentenced to 102 months in prison after pleading guilty to first-degree manslaughter in the drug-related death of his 2-year-old daughter, Nanette. The girl overdosed on fentanyl pills that were owned by Hodge, who had been using meth and heroin on the night prior to her death. During the emotional sentencing, her mother, Lilliana Peden, shared her anguish and called out Hodge for his hidden drug use, which ultimately endangered their daughter. Hodge did not attempt CPR on Nanette, believing she was already dead when he called for emergency assistance. The Pierce County medical examiner confirmed the alarming amount of fentanyl involved, which was noted as one of the highest amounts seen in a child.

Judge Matthew Thomas remarked on the case's tragic nature, highlighting the importance of how society treats its children. Hodge's attorney argued that a history of trauma contributed to Hodge's addiction, but the court maintained that Hodge's actions directly led to his daughter's death. The case underscores the devastating impact of drug abuse on families and communities.