Fremont Baby Dies From Fentanyl, Mom Arrested: Police

Fremont, CA — A 23-month-old boy died of fentanyl exposure in Fremont on Oct. 18, toxicology results confirmed. Fremont Police arrested his mother, Sophia Gastelum-Vera, 26, on Tuesday. She was booked into Santa Rita Jail.

Police report that the baby did not wake up on the morning of Oct. 18. He shared a bedroom with his mother in the family home, located in the 4300 block of Gina Street.The mother and other family members rushed the baby to the hospital. He was pronounced dead by the hospital staff, who contacted police.

The police investigation included serving a search warrant at the family's home. Crime Scene Investigators found evidence in the bedroom that Gastelum-Vera shared with her child. Laboratory tests confirmed the presence of fentanyl.

Investigators also found electronic communication devices in Gastelum-Vera's room that revealed recent communications about fentanyl use and possession.

She was arrested on suspicion of Penal Code 187(a) – Murder.

If you have any information about this case, contact Detective Ryan Blanchet at 510-790-6900, or at rblanchet@fremont.gov.