A New Haven mother is in custody on charges of manslaughter and risk of injury to a minor following the tragic death of her 10-month-old son. The infant’s demise, which was attributed to a lethal combination of drugs, has raised significant concerns and prompted a comprehensive investigation by authorities.
According to an arrest warrant obtained by NBC Connecticut, Alexandra Polino, the mother of the 10-month-old boy, faces legal action in connection with her child’s untimely passing. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner’s determination that a mix of harmful drugs was present in the infant’s system at the time of his death has led to these charges.
The toxicology report, a crucial piece of evidence in the case, unveiled disturbing levels of fentanyl, cocaine, and xylazine in the infant’s bloodstream. Consequently, the chief medical examiner ruled the boy’s death as a homicide.
The tragic incident unfolded on June 28 when the New Haven Police Department received an emergency call regarding an unresponsive infant at a Farren Avenue residence. Responding officers discovered the baby boy not breathing, and their efforts to resuscitate him proved futile, according to law enforcement sources.
Subsequently, the infant was rushed to the hospital, where medical professionals pronounced him dead a short time later. The arrest warrant disclosed chilling details, indicating that the child had been “cold to the touch” and had likely been deceased for an extended period.
Intriguingly, the investigation revealed that Polino had consumed cocaine just one day prior to giving birth. Additionally, when required to submit urine tests, she reportedly employed her 4-year-old’s urine as a substitute for her own, as per the warrant.
While Polino admitted to past drug use, she vehemently denied using drugs at the time of the incident. However, investigative efforts uncovered an assortment of drugs in her possession, including those found near the infant on the day of his tragic death.
Polino’s history of drug use extends beyond cocaine and encompasses opioids such as methadone and heroin, as conveyed to authorities during their inquiry. Notably, the toxicology report released after the infant’s demise identified the presence of both fentanyl and 4-ANPP, a precursor chemical linked to fentanyl production, in the baby’s system. Experts underscored that even trace amounts of these substances could prove fatal to an infant of such tender age.
Of additional concern is the revelation that the Department of Children and Families (DCF) had conducted multiple investigations involving Polino in recent years. However, as recent as 20 days before the infant’s passing, DCF had documented that “there are no concerns that warrant the case to remain open at this time,” according to the arrest warrant.
In light of these developments, DCF has taken steps to remove Polino’s daughter from the home, placing her under the care of a non-family member.
Remarkably, during a recent pediatric check-up, the infant’s doctor had noted that he was a “happy, healthy boy [that was] doing well.” Nevertheless, Polino, who already had six outstanding warrants for her arrest, now faces new and serious charges.
In response to mounting evidence and the gravity of the situation, the New Haven Police have arrested Polino on charges including manslaughter and risk of injury to a minor. Following the signing of the arrest warrant, she surrendered herself to authorities a few days later. Subsequently, she posted a $250,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on November 8.
