In a tragic incident that has shocked the community, a 22-year-old mother is facing murder charges following the death of her twin toddlers, allegedly due to Fentanyl exposure.
Jestice James, the mother in question, has been charged with two counts of murder and child abuse under circumstances likely to cause great bodily harm or death. The charges also include allegations of child endangerment, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorneys Office.
As reported by The Independent, the prosecutors have indicated that the evidence points towards the involvement of Fentanyl, a potent opioid, in the unfortunate demise of the children. The incident unfolded on July 11 when emergency services were called to a residence in Palm Vista Apartments, a city-run affordable housing complex in San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles. Paramedics on the scene tried to resuscitate the twins, Josiah and Jestine, but to no avail. Josiah succumbed to his condition on the same day, while Jestine passed away two days later.
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) released a statement on Friday, stating, "Preliminary investigation revealed that the children had ingested, or been exposed to, an unknown substance." The mother and other occupants of the house were subsequently taken to the LAPD Topanga Community Police Station for questioning. However, the police have confirmed that no further investigations are being conducted on the other residents.
Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascn expressed his sorrow and concern over the incident, stating, These innocent boys reportedly came into contact with Fentanyl, an opioid that has wreaked havoc across our communities. This tragedy is part of a disturbing trend where babies and toddlers are increasingly becoming victims of the opioid crisis.
James is currently being held on a $4 million bail. If found guilty of the charges, she could face a life sentence. Her arraignment was scheduled for Tuesday. The family members, still reeling from the loss, shared their grief with ABC7. Regina Holmes, the boys' godmother, urged everyone to recognize the lethal nature of the drug, saying, "Anyone who has a family member, a friend, an associate who is indulging in that particular drug, to know that it is a fatal drug. We lost Juju and Jojo."
The twins had recently celebrated their third birthday on July 9. Precios Padilla, the boys' cousin, lamented, "They still had a long life to live that we hoped and wished to be able to see, but unfortunately, they were taken away too soon and way too young."
This case is not an isolated incident. Jonathan Hatami, Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney, revealed that this was one of five cases involving children and Fentanyl he was investigating, all within the last six months. This alarming trend underscores the urgent need for more stringent measures to combat the opioid crisis, which continues to claim innocent lives.
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