California Mother Charged in Daughter’s Potential Fentanyl Overdose Death

When it rains, it pours. But it seems like California’s got no shortage of storm clouds these days, with drug abuse and tragic child deaths hitting the headlines like clockwork. Case in point, folks: Korisa Woll, a mother from Santa Cruz, has been arrested and slapped with murder charges after her child died in what authorities suspect to be a fentanyl or cocaine overdose. And she isn’t the only one. Let’s cut to the chase and delve into the grim details.

Santa Cruz Shock: The Korisa Woll Case

On July 28, Korisa Woll found herself behind bars, charged with the murder of her own child. Preliminary reports suggest that the young victim may have succumbed to a fentanyl or cocaine overdose, adding another tragic tally to the ongoing opioid epidemic ravaging our communities. The little girl was just 20 months old, and police called Woll out in a statement.

“She was responsible for the care of her child,” Santa Cruz police spokesperson Jon Bush said. He continued that the child “most likely” suffered exposure to fentanyl or cocaine, causing overdose and death.

Unfortunately, this isn’t an isolated incident. A number of overdoses and alleged overdoses have led to charges against California parents in the last couple years.

Los Angeles Catastrophe: Jestice James

In another horrifying case, Jestice James was charged earlier in July with the murder of her three-year-old twin sons, Josiah and Jestine, who were allegedly exposed to drugs laced with fentanyl. She is currently held on a $4 million bail and faces life in prison if convicted. Let that sink in—life in prison. The charges include two counts of murder and two counts of child abuse/endangerment.

James’s case is currently being investigated by the Los Angeles Police Department. Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón emphasized the increasing impact of fentanyl and the opioid crisis on children.

Sonoma County Tragedy: Madison Bernard and Evan Frostick

In Sonoma County, it’s a similar horror show. Madison Bernard and Evan Frostick were charged with murder in 2022 in the fentanyl overdose death of their 15-month-old daughter, Charlotte. However, they were able to reach an agreement in court. As of June 26, they had pleaded no contest to involuntary manslaughter and were expected to face sentencing on July 23.

Kern County Grief: Ezekiel Rivera

It doesn’t end there. On June 5, 2023, Ezekiel Xavier Rivera, a two-year-old boy, died from acute fentanyl toxicity. His father, Raul Rivera, was hit with a first-degree murder charge and a felony count of child cruelty. Ezekiel’s older brother, Ermias, tested positive for fentanyl but survived. The case underscores the increasing number of young children becoming unwitting victims of the fentanyl crisis.

Here’s a glaring statistic for you: in the first three quarters of 2023, there were 11 fentanyl-related deaths in children under five in California alone. Kern County, in particular, has a rate higher than the state average. Meanwhile, Ezekiel’s mother, Lora Rivera, has launched a lawsuit against Kern County and its Sheriff’s Department, accusing them of failing to protect her children.

California’s Legislative Response

A bill by state Senator Dave Cortese aims to monitor and prevent fentanyl-related deaths in children under five. The bill has passed the state Senate and now awaits a fiscal review. If California can get its act together, perhaps fewer parents will face the horror of indictment for their child’s needless death.

In Conclusion

These incidents are gut-wrenching and highlight broader concerns about drug overdoses in California. What’s more is that it’s not just an issue with The Golden State—107,543 drug overdose deaths were estimated in 2023 nationwide. It’s a staggering number, although a decrease compared to 2022.

Remember the names and remember the heartbreak—because awareness is the first step toward change, and heaven knows we need it.