Mother and grandfather charged with murder in toddler's fentanyl overdose

The tragic case highlights systemic failures in the child welfare system, where a child was placed in a dangerous environment despite a history of drug use and abuse.

Sheriff's deputies revealed that the mother, Jessica Darthard, appeared inebriated at the scene, suggesting neglect and disregard for the safety of her children.

Charges against the mother and grandfather underscore the grave consequences of negligence and addiction, as the system permitted supervised visits in a home fraught with risk.

The autopsy confirmed 17-month-old Justin died from fentanyl ingestion, a sobering reminder of the drug's potency and its deadly impact on children.

Read at Los Angeles Times