CANOGA PARK, Calif. – A California mother is charged with murder in the deaths of her 3-year-old sons who authorities say were exposed to fentanyl. Jestice James faces two counts of murder and two counts of child abuse/endangerment under circumstances or conditions likely to cause great bodily harm or death.
“These innocent boys reportedly came into contact with fentanyl, an opioid that has wreaked havoc across our communities,” Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón said.
According to the Los Angeles Police Department, emergency crews responded to a San Fernando Valley home on July 11, where paramedics attempted life-saving measures on the twin boys, Josiah and Jestine. Both were taken to the hospital. Josiah died on July 11, and Jestine died on July 13.
“This tragedy is part of a disturbing trend where babies and toddlers are increasingly becoming victims of the opioid crisis. The deadly capabilities of fentanyl cannot be overstated, and it is our collective responsibility to protect those who cannot protect themselves,” Gascón said.
Emily’s Hope has previously reported on the skyrocketing number of babies and toddlers dying from fentanyl. A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that fentanyl was involved in 94% of the deadly pediatric opioid poisonings recorded in 2021, compared to 5% in 1999. More than 5,000 kids have died from overdoses involving fentanyl over the past two decades.
If convicted, James faces life in prison.