Fentanyl Poisoning Of Son Results In Parents Arrest: Chesco DA

CALN, PA —The parents of a 4-year-old boy are accused of exposing their son to fentanyl, resulting in the child’s death, Chester County District Attorney Deb Ryan said.

Jason Moore, 36, and his wife, Amanda, 35, are in Chester County Prison Monday in lieu of $250,000 each Monday on charges of involuntary manslaughter and endangering the welfare of children.

Caln Township police said they responded to a 911 call for an unresponsive child at 10:48 a.m. Nov. 29.

The child was taken to Children’s Hospital in King of Prussia, Montgomery County, where he was pronounced dead.

At the time, police said, they did not see any signs of physical injury.

Subsequently, on Jan. 18 toxicology tests revealed fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, was found in the boy’s body. The cause of death was ruled homicide via fentanyl poisoning.

Authorities said fentanyl was also found on a lollipop stick in the suspects' bedroom.

Investigators said they later learned that Jason used fentanyl in the residence where his son died and Amanda’s hair samples tested positive for fentanyl.

Involuntary manslaughter is acting in a negligent manner, causing the death of another person. It carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison.

Ryan said the case demonstrates the extreme dangers of the opioid epidemic and the threat to the community, including the children.

“This is a devastating tragedy due to the defendants’ complete failure as parents,” Ryan said.