NEW YORK – A third person is facing charges in connection with the deadly fentanyl poisoning at a New York City day care. The accused, 38-year-old Renny Antonio Parra Paredes (also known as “El Gallo”), has been charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute narcotics resulting in death. Previously, both Grei Mendez, the day care’s owner, and Carlisto Acevedo Brito, who rented a room from her, were arrested and face charges. Authorities are also actively searching for Medez’s husband.
As Emily’s Hope reported earlier this month, prosecutors say that one child died and three others were injured after being exposed to the highly powerful drug fentanyl at Divino Niño day care center.
During the investigation, authorities made a disturbing discovery. They found a kilogram of fentanyl stored atop children’s playmats, alongside substantial quantities of suspected narcotics hidden within concealed compartments known as “traps” in the floor of the room where the children played and slept. Additionally, law enforcement uncovered materials used to package narcotics, including glassine envelopes typically employed for the retail distribution of drugs. These envelopes bore a distinctive red stamp with the label “RED DAWN.” One of the traps found in the daycare is pictured below.
According to the criminal complaint, investigators tracked phone calls and text messages involving Mendez and Brito, which ultimately led them to Paredes. Prosecutors contend that Paredes not only communicated with them about drugs, but was also in the area of the day care on a daily basis in the weeks before the poisoning incident. Following the child’s death, Paredes’ cellphone ceased to connect to cellphone towers in the day care’s vicinity.
After law enforcement arrested Paredes, they also searched the apartment where he had been staying. Among the discoveries were shopping bags containing tools and equipment typically used for the preparation and distribution of narcotics, including strainers, tape, a grinder, plastic bags, and digital scales. Authorities also came across what appeared to be two clear Ziplock bags filled with a grayish powder and a rectangular, brick-shaped package—both of which prosecutors believe to contain narcotics. Furthermore, they found glassine envelopes similar to those discovered at the day care, all bearing the same red “RED DAWN” stamp. The first photo below displays the glassines found in the day care trap, while the second photo shows those found in the apartment where Paredes was residing.
Law enforcement also found the “RED DAWN” stamp itself inside the apartment where Paredes was living.
In addition to the information about Paredes, prosecutors also shared new images of the day care owner’s husband. The pictures allegedly show him walking out of a back alley behind the day care with several bags, after his wife called 911 but before first responders arrived.
