Couple In Bensalem Baby Overdose Case Heads To Trial

BENSALEM, PA — A Bensalem couple whose 9-month-old daughter police say overdosed on fentanyl is headed to trial in the case.

District Judge Michael W. Gallagher on Tuesday ruled that there is enough evidence in the case for Michael Picardi, 28, to face trial. Maria M. Dolderer, 24, waived her right to a preliminary hearing in the case.

Both Picardi and Dolderer face felony charges of endangering the welfare of a child.

At 10:48 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 24, Bensalem Police were called to an address on Finch Drive in regard to the baby going into cardiac arrest. Officers and Bensalem EMS began treating the girl, including giving her a dose of Narcan, an anti-overdose drug.

Police said the couple's apartment was "unfurnished and dirty" and that there were multiple medication bottles throughout it that the girl could have reached. There also were prescription bottles on the bed and floor and there was an empty bottle of acetaminophen with codeine found in the baby's swing, according to police.

Medical tests showed the child's urine tested positive for the potentially deadly opioid, fentanyl, police said. The baby was placed on a ventilator and administered more Narcan to prevent her death, police said.

On top of that, a Narcan drip was required "due to the high dose of fentanyl the child ingested," according to police.

Both parents remain in jail in lieu of 10 percent of $200,000 bail.