Prosecutors have filed a felony murder charge against a Palmdale mother whose 2-year-old son died after ingesting fentanyl nearly two years ago.
Anaie Garcia Flores, 23, pleaded not guilty to murder and child abuse resulting in death at her arraignment on Oct. 28, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced Thursday.
“There is no tragedy more profound than the loss of a child, especially when it happens because of a parent’s reckless disregard for life,” District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said.
On Nov. 7, 2023, Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies responded to a home in the 800 block of East Avenue P-15 in Palmdale, where they found 2-year-old Angel unresponsive. Investigators later determined the child died from fentanyl ingestion and, according to the DA’s office, found traces of the drug throughout Garcia Flores’ home.
Prosecutors contend she allowed her son to access the drug, which led to his fatal “overdose.”
“Anyone who exposes a child to fentanyl is committing an unforgivable act of cruelty and neglect, and my office will continue to pursue the toughest possible penalties against those who endanger the most vulnerable among us,” Hochman said.
If convicted on both charges, Garcia Flores faces 15 years to life in prison. She is being held on a $2 million bond, with an additional $50,000 for a probation violation, according to the DA’s office.
Her preliminary hearing setting is scheduled for Dec. 8.
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