A Florida mother is facing a murder charge after her 5-year-old son tragically died from an apparent overdose after drinking apple juice that had methamphetamine mixed into it.
Police say the mother, Heather Opsincs, left a bottle containing the deadly substance in the fridge at the Sands Hotel, where she was staying.
Her son, who was under the care of a babysitter, found the bottle, drank from it, and fell seriously ill.
According to the Riviera Beach police, the boy started exhibiting signs of distress, including shaking, shivering, and becoming stiff.
His head tilted down, and he began showing signs of severe poisoning. Despite being told of her son’s worsening condition, Opsincs reportedly waited an hour before calling 911 for help.
READ ALSO: Two Dead After Miami-Dade Bus Driver Opens Fire
Paramedics arrived at the hotel and rushed the child to the hospital, but he was later pronounced dead.
Both Opsincs and her son tested positive for methamphetamine, and police discovered drug paraphernalia, including six meth pipes, inside the hotel room. Two plastic apple juice bottles were also found.
Opsincs, 37, has been arrested and charged with negligent manslaughter. She remains in custody at the Palm Beach County Jail with a bond set at $100,000.
During her pretrial detention hearing, Judge April Bristow remarked on the “egregious” nature of the case. Opsincs has been prohibited from contacting any witnesses or speaking to anyone under 18 years old, except her daughter.
The case has drawn widespread attention and sparked concern over the safety of children in environments where drugs are present. Opsincs is scheduled to return to court on April 22.
