Mom, 2 others accused of murder after 2-year-old boy dies from ingesting fentanyl

A 2-year-old boy died after ingesting fentanyl in Rhode Island, police say, and now his mother and others have been charged with murder.

On Dec. 10, 2021, first responders arrived at a home in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, after a report of an unresponsive 2-year-old boy, the Pawtucket Police Department said.

The child was taken to a hospital, but he was pronounced dead, officials said.

The residence was in poor condition and lacked even basic furniture, police said. Officials also saw equipment commonly used in the manufacturing and distribution of narcotics inside the apartment.

The child’s death was ruled a homicide, with the cause being acute fentanyl intoxication, police said.

Police also discovered the boy’s 8-year-old brother tested positive for fentanyl exposure, but he survived.

Authorities identified three suspects in the case and on Feb. 11, 26-year-old Jessaline Andrade, the children’s mother, 31-year-old Stephano Castro and 33-year-old Yara Chum were all arrested. They were charged with second-degree murder in connection to the death of the boy.

Pawtucket City Councilwoman Melissa DaRosa spoke to 12 News and said, “When a child loses their life, especially to fentanyl, somebody needs to be held responsible for that very awful decision that was made.”

According to 12 News, the Department of Children, Youth and Families was previously involved with the family, but there was not an active case when the boy died.