Details Released As Morris Mom Jailed, Girl Died Near Drugs: PD

BOONTON – More details were released this past week after an 11-year-old girl reportedly died in a horrific scene at her mother's New Jersey home where an empty bottle of prescription opioids and needles were nearby.

Shay Mooney, 34, of Boonton was released from jail on Monday after she was charged with child endangerment, according to the Morris County Prosecutor's Office. Her next court appearance is Feb. 3.

The Ocean County native was released after her attorneys said she suffers from debilitating illnesses and relies on food stamps and state health insurance to survive, according to The Record.

Mooney has admitted she gave prescription opioids and other medications not prescribed by a doctor to her 11-year-old daughter, Wade Richardson, according to court records provided to Patch.

The girl was found lying on the floor of the apartment on Dec. 30, and neeldes, loose drugs and empty bottles were nearby, according to the court records. The apartment where the child and Mooney resided was in "serious disarray with medicine, pill bottles and syringes throughout," the records said.

A neighbor told ABC7 there were so many needles on the floor that "you couldn't even walk, you couldn't even get the door open."

An obituary from Madison Funeral Home expressed the grief felt by family and friends toward Wade Richardson, "our most beloved daughter, granddaughter, family member and friend."

"It is impossible to sum up all that Wade was and meant to her family and friends," the obituary said. "Wade was a vibrant, caring and ambitious girl, loved by all who knew her & friendly and loving to everyone."

Mooney gave her daughter oxycodone and Seroquel, an anti-depressant that can be used for pain management, according to court records. She called police to her Boonton home on Dec. 30 when the girl died, records say.

Wade was born in Morristown and had been singing, dancing and acting ever since she was born, the obituary said.

"She absolutely loved theater and would often write her own plays for her friends at school. Wade excelled in school and loved learning, reading and writing. She preferred classes that both challenged and intrigued her," her obituary said.

Wade had a completely unselfish personality, the obituary said. She would do anything to help others in need and she took "an active interest in world humanitarian issues."

Wade was also an animal lover and had an especially strong, loving bond with her three dogs, Duck, Goose and Peter. She loved spending summer vacations with her family at the beach and swimming in the ocean "for hours on end," according to the obituary.

"We will forever hold the beautiful memories, togetherness and love we shared with Wade this Christmas close to our hearts," the obituary said

Wade is survived by her father, Luke Richardson of Madison; her mother; paternal grandparents, Robert and Marilyn Richardson of Madison; maternal grandparents, Kim and Jack Mooney of Whiting; her aunts and uncles, Eliza and John Cavey and Megan and Michael Mardo; her four cousins, Tanner, Elliot and Calvin Cavey and Grayson Mardo; and many friends.

Services were held earlier in the month. Charitable contributions may be made in Wade’s memory to Harm Reduction Coalition at www.harmreduction.org