The Mysterious Package: Fentanyl Unveiled
Authorities disclosed that a package, holding several thousand dollars' worth of fentanyl, was located inside the very daycare center where a one-year-old child recently lost his life. The daycare, named Divino Niño, is situated in a Bronx apartment, operated by Grei Mendez.
Mendez claims that she had no knowledge of the deadly drug being in her establishment. Three other young children fell ill including an eight-month-old girl.
A Grim Clue: Residue Underneath a Mat
Investigators uncovered a disturbing clue. The residue of fentanyl was found beneath a mat where the children had been napping.
Mendez pleaded not guilty to murder charges. She claims no responsibility for the tragic death of one-year-old Nicholas Dominici. Additionally, Carlisto Acevedo Brito, a 41-year-old man who rented a room within the apartment, faced the same set of charges. Both were awaiting their arraignment.
Hidden Stash: Fentanyl Cache Discovered
Law enforcement uncovered a stash of fentanyl that was about one kilogram. The potent drug was found along with a press device utilized to mix the drug with other narcotics. The closet in a hallway connected to the apartment concealed this dangerous cache. A second press was also located inside Brito's adjoining room, as detailed in a criminal complaint.
A Call for Action: New York City's Mayor Responds
Amidst the shock and tragedy, New York City's Mayor, Eric Adams, voiced his frustration and concern at a news conference. He condemned those who would endanger children. He said that even the smallest amount of fentanyl is capable of killing an adult.
Daycare Details: A Glimpse Inside
Mendez, aged 36 and also working as a home health aide, lived above the daycare center. She rented a room to Brito, her husband's cousin, for $200 a month. New York allows home-based daycare centers for small groups of children, provided they are licensed and undergo inspections.
The day leading up to the tragedy appeared ordinary. Mendez attended to the children, reading and cooking for them before putting them down for their nap. However, the day took a grim turn when Nicholas Dominici failed to wake up from his nap, triggering a frantic 911 call and desperate pleas for help from Mendez.
Legal Consequences: Mendez and Brito's Fate
Grei Mendez was promptly sent to Rikers Island without bail after her arraignment, while Carlisto Acevedo Brito's legal representation remained unconfirmed. Both are being charged with murder.
The daycare had opened its doors in January of the same year and had passed all inspections, including a surprise visit by inspectors on September 6th.
The tragic incident remains a mystery. The cause and manner of Nicholas Dominici's death is still pending.
The Fentanyl Crisis: A Growing Threat
Fentanyl can be up to 50 times more potent than heroin. Fentanyl mixed with other drugs like heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine has increased overdose deaths all around the world. At times the people taking these mixes are unaware of fentanyl’s presence.
Tragically, unintentional drug overdoses among children are also on the rise, with opioids being the most common substance contributing to fatal poisonings in kids. These cases usually involve oral ingestion rather than contact or inhalation, as indicated by a 2019 study in the Journal of Pediatrics.
A Call to Action: The Ongoing Battle Against Fentanyl
Fentanyl has demonstrated its deadly potential over and over again. We must take action to address this crisis. Our children are dying.
The Guardian
BBC News
NBC News
No comments:
Post a Comment