Niagara police charge woman in 2023 drug toxicity death of toddler

Niagara police have charged a woman with possession of illicit drugs and criminal negligence in the death of a toddler in November of last year.

On Nov. 21, 2023 police responded to a call in which a 2-year-old child was found without vital signs in a family home in Niagara Falls.

As a result, a sudden death investigation in conjunction with the Coroner’s office was launched.

A postmortem examination took place where it was determined the child’s death was due to fentanyl and bromazolam toxicity. Bromazolam is a benzodiazepine depressant drug that is not prescribed to people in Canada.

The Niagara Police Homicide Unit and Opioid Enforcement and Education Unit took over the investigation.

On Nov. 18 of this year a 40-year-old female resident of Niagara Falls was arrested and charged with possession of fentanyl and cocaine, failing to provide the necessaries of life and criminal negligence causing death.

The woman was held in custody for a video bail hearing in St. Catharines on Nov. 19.

Niagara police will not be releasing the name of the accused to protect the identity of the deceased victim and the next of kin.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact detectives at 905-688-4111, option 3, ext. 1009476, or Crime Stoppers of Niagara at 800-222-8477.

READ MORE: Niagara Falls man arrested following child abuse investigation