On March 13th around 4:00am, deputies were dispatched to the death of a 5-year-old boy at the 14900 block of 66th Ave. The young boy had allegedly fallen asleep and was later found deceased by his mother. Detectives and forensics later found evidence of drug use in the home but could not confirm the child’s cause of death without a toxicology test. Results from the toxicology test came back on May 5th, and the cause of death was confirmed to be from consumption of fentanyl. A warrant was issued for the mother of the child, and she was located over the weekend on May 10th at the 16500 block of 90th Ave E, after the residents of the home denied she was there. After a lengthy conversation with the resident, the mother came out peacefully and turned herself in. The 32-year-old female was booked into the Pierce County Jail for manslaughter in the 1st degree.
This is an extremely sad and grim reminder of the dangers of drugs and how it’s affecting loved ones and our community. If you or a loved one suffers from an addiction, reach out for help before it’s too late.