UPDATE: A Santa Rosa grandmother and her daughter were arrested after an 11-month-old baby was poisoned with fentanyl, according to the Santa Rosa Police Department. The baby girl has since recovered at a local hospital. This alarming incident unfolded on Sunday evening when the baby was allegedly exposed to fentanyl at her grandmother’s apartment on Range Avenue.
Detectives report that around 7 p.m., the baby was in a bedroom with her mother, Shaylynne Watson, aged 35, while her three older siblings were with their grandmother, Beverly Hansel, aged 54. It was during this time that the baby picked up a small, white substance that Watson suspected might be fentanyl. Alarmed, Watson alerted Hansel, who administered Narcan to the child but failed to call 911 for immediate medical assistance.
After monitoring the baby for symptoms, Watson left the apartment with all four children. Approximately five hours later, she took the baby to a nearby hospital for evaluation, where preliminary tests confirmed fentanyl exposure. Police were notified at 3:40 a.m. on Monday, prompting a swift investigation.
Detectives executed a search warrant at Hansel’s apartment, uncovering numerous narcotics paraphernalia, methamphetamine, and black tar heroin. Several dangerous items were found on the floor and within reach of children, leading authorities to conclude both Watson and Hansel were responsible for the baby’s exposure to the lethal substance.
In response to the incident, Child Protective Services intervened, removing Watson’s four children from her custody. Watson has been booked into the Sonoma County Main Adult Detention Facility on charges of felony child endangerment, while Hansel faces charges for child endangerment and drug-related offenses.
Fentanyl is an incredibly potent synthetic opioid, up to 50 times stronger than heroin, posing a significant risk, especially to children. Authorities warn that even a minuscule amount can be fatal, highlighting the urgent need for awareness regarding accidental exposure.
As investigations continue, the community is on high alert. What happens next will be closely monitored as authorities ensure the safety of the children and assess the legal ramifications for those involved. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
