In a harrowing incident, an infant managed to survive a fentanyl overdose just before celebrating their first birthday, while a couple from Collier County now face legal consequences.
The infant’s safety was secured even as authorities detained Caitlinn Smith, the mother, and her partner. The events unfolded as Smith took a brief shower, leaving the infant unattended momentarily. During this time, the infant somehow gained access to a piece of tin foil containing fentanyl. Smith discovered the substance in the infant’s mouth upon her return, prompting immediate action.
A concerning aspect emerged when a second child, approximately 9 years old, noticed something amiss on the morning of September 4.
The infant’s survival was nothing short of miraculous, requiring two doses of Narcan to counter the effects of the overdose. According to Desiree Wilson, a partner at a law firm, this extraordinary circumstance potentially explains why the couple faces charges of child neglect without bodily harm.
Wilson remarked, “The necessity of administering two doses of Narcan to such a small child strongly suggests a significant amount of fentanyl in the baby’s system.” However, establishing accountability regarding the presence of the drug within the household presents a challenge for prosecutors.
While Smith pointed fingers at her partner, Richard Mahoney, alleging his involvement in storing illicit substances, legal ramifications are inevitable regardless of the source.
Wilson added, “Determining culpability in this case may pose difficulties for the prosecution.” Both Smith and Mahoney find themselves incarcerated in Collier County Jail, charged with child neglect without bodily harm.
