A mother is facing murder charges after her three-year-old twin sons died following suspected exposure to narcotics laced with fentanyl.
Jestice James, 22, has been charged with two charges of murder and two counts of child abuse after her twins, Josiah and Jestine, were discovered unconscious at their home in Canoga Park, California, on July 11.
The 3-year-old twin sons were lifeless when paramedics arrived at James’ flat with her boyfriend and family.
The kids were transported to a neighboring hospital, but family members stated that it was too late. Josiah, the older twin, died later that night, while Jestine died two days later.
Deputy District Attorney Jonathan Hatami told the Daily Mail that James’ case is the first in Los Angeles County where a parent has been charged with death due to an alleged fentanyl overdose.
The senior prosecutor declined to comment on how the twins were introduced to fentanyl while the inquiry was continuing.
However, Hatami stated that there have been four such examples of kids being exposed to fentanyl in Los Angeles County in the last six months.
“Children are the most vulnerable,” Hatami explained.
“They do not buy or smoke fentanyl. Adults are doing this, but innocent children are paying the ultimate price. It is intolerable.
“When it comes to fentanyl exposure, we need to do everything we can to protect the innocent children.”
James was highly disturbed in a Van Nuys courthouse on Tuesday afternoon, July 16, while a few of her family members sat in the audience.
The young mother battled to fight back tears as her mother, LaTina Allen, whispered “I love you” to her from across the courtroom.
James will stay in county jail pending a $4 million bond. She will return to court on July 31 after an attorney has been assigned to her case.
Family members who attended Tuesday’s hearing described James as a devoted mother who would never endanger her boys.
They just celebrated their birthdays and spent the Fourth of July at the beach with their families.
