Bronx Day Care Provider and Two Others Indicted on Murder Charges in Fentanyl Case
A Bronx day care provider, her husband, and his cousin have been indicted on murder and other charges after allegedly exposing four children, including a 1-year-old who died, to fentanyl at the day care center last month. Grei Mendez, 36, her husband Felix Herrera Garcia, 34, and Carlisto Brito, 41, were indicted on second-degree murder, second-degree manslaughter, and other charges related to the death of Nicholas Dominici.
According to court documents, on September 15, four children at the Divino Niño day care center in the Bronx were exposed to what investigators believe was fentanyl. Nicholas tragically died that day, while the other three children were hospitalized with acute opioid intoxication. The defendants were also indicted on charges of criminal possession of a controlled substance, assault, and endangering the welfare of a child.
The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges during their arraignment in Bronx Supreme Criminal Court. Mendez, who operates the day care center, intends to plead not guilty, according to her attorney Andres Manuel Aranda. He stated that she is devastated by what happened to the children. CNN has reached out to the attorneys for the other two defendants for comment.
Authorities have described the defendants as mid-level drug dealers who would cut fentanyl with other substances, including household items like baby powder. Pressing machines found in the day care center were allegedly used to pack and prepare the drugs for distribution. Court records revealed that a kilo of fentanyl was stored on top of children’s play mats, and more fentanyl was discovered beneath trap doors where the kids played and slept.
Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark released a statement expressing her heartfelt sorrow and outrage over the incident. She vowed to seek justice for Nicholas, the other children, and their families. Mendez and Brito were arrested on September 16, while Herrera Garcia was arrested in Mexico last week. Surveillance footage reportedly shows Herrera Garcia leaving the day care center with two shopping bags filled with drugs just minutes before emergency responders arrived.
In addition to the state charges, the defendants also face federal charges. They were charged in federal court last month with conspiracy to distribute narcotics resulting in death and possession with intent to distribute narcotics resulting in death. Another person, Renny Antonio Parra Paredes, 38, was also charged in federal court with conspiracy to distribute narcotics resulting in death.
The tragedy has highlighted the dangers of fentanyl and the importance of ensuring the safety of children in day care centers. The investigation is ongoing, and further developments are expected in the case.