Mother in court after 5-year-old son dies from fentanyl

In a tragic case from Pierce County, Jordan Shank appeared in court charged with manslaughter after her son, Brentlee, died from acute fentanyl toxicity. The medical examiner confirmed the cause of death, prompting public outrage over the living conditions Brentlee faced, including no running water and human waste in the home. Family members criticized the state for ignoring multiple CPS calls regarding Brentlee's welfare, emphasizing that his death could have been prevented. Shank, who described herself as an addict, admitted to using fentanyl the day before her son’s death and even during her pregnancy. Brentlee’s family, who had previously co-parented him, expressed their desire for systemic changes to prevent similar tragedies.

The Pierce County Sheriff’s Office released footage of Shank's arrest, which occurred shortly after Brentlee's death. Shank's bail has been set at $750,000 as she awaits trial, with the community closely monitoring the case. This incident underscores the urgent need for action in addressing the opioid crisis and its impact on vulnerable children.