Lantana Couple Charged In Fentanyl Death Of 10-Month Old

In 2022, a 10-month old infant died of fentanyl intoxication at a Boynton Beach hospital. The mother was arrested and charged with aggravated manslaughter by negligence, but in an effort to cooperate with authorities, she pointed them to the couple who allegedly sold her the fentanyl. In late July 2024, one of the couple chose to plead guilty to fentanyl possession, sale, and distribution-related charges, while the other chose to face a jury.

Dealers’ Culpability Not At Issue

The child died in March 2022 after the mother had purchased fentanyl capsules from the couple. On the day of the purchase, the child was in respiratory distress, but the mother was unaware of the severity, and thus did not call 911 for at least three hours. After the child was pronounced deceased, the mother was arrested and charged with aggravated manslaughter of a child due to culpable negligence – as of this writing, the case remains open, but the mother has agreed to work with Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents to try and target the dealers.

While it remains to be seen as to the ultimate fate of the mother and her criminal case, it is true that under Florida law, the dealers can be prosecuted not only for the drug-related charges, but (if the facts warrant it) for homicide. Florida law recognizes the offense of “drug-induced homicide,” which is when the “unlawful distribution” of certain substances when that substance can be shown to have either caused, or been a “substantial factor” in causing, the death of another person.

Is A Plea Correct?

Both halves of the couple have been charged with drug-related offenses and also with firearms charges, given that they both have previous convictions which, in theory, bars them from owning weapons. The man, however, is represented by the federal public defender’s office, while the woman has another attorney. The man pled guilty to all charges and currently faces a 30 year sentence, while as of this writing, the woman has not made any plea and is intending to face a jury at trial.

Being charged with drug-induced homicide is an extremely serious charge which carries the same potential penalties as any other homicide charge, plus potential extra time for drug offenses. If you ever find yourself in this situation, it is imperative that you enlist a knowledgeable attorney as quickly as possible, so that your rights are properly protected. Without the right help on your side, you could face life-changing penalties.

Call A West Palm Beach Drug Offenses Attorney

It remains to be seen what the outcome of the woman’s trial will be, but the man’s guilty plea at least takes a longer sentence off the proverbial table. A West Palm Beach drug offenses attorney from Perlet & Shiner, P.A. will ensure you get your day in court if you have been charged with drug crimes, and advise you as to the best options in your individual case. Call our office today to speak to an attorney.

Source:

usatoday.com/story/news/crime/2024/07/30/florida-man-pleads-guilty-to-selling-drug-that-killed-customers-baby-boynton-fentanyl-darnell-mendez/74496264007/