BREAKING: A Santa Rosa mother and her mother have been arrested following the poisoning of an 11-month-old baby by fentanyl, authorities confirmed. The incident occurred around 7 p.m. on July 30, 2023, at a residence on Range Avenue, where the baby girl was exposed to the potent opioid.
According to the Santa Rosa Police Department, the mother, Shaylynne Watson, 35, and her mother, Beverly Hansel, 54, were with the baby and three other children during the critical hours leading up to the incident. Watson feared the baby had ingested a white substance, believed to be fentanyl, prompting her to alert Hansel. In a quick response, Hansel administered Narcan, an emergency medication to reverse opioid overdoses. However, neither woman contacted 911 for immediate medical assistance, a decision that raises serious concerns.
After monitoring the baby for several hours, Watson left the apartment with her four children. It was not until after midnight that Watson took the baby to a local hospital for an evaluation. Hospital staff confirmed that the baby had indeed been exposed to fentanyl, leading to police involvement at approximately 3:40 a.m. on July 31.
In a search of Hansel’s apartment, detectives discovered numerous narcotics paraphernalia, including methamphetamine and black tar heroin, located in areas accessible to young children. The Santa Rosa Police concluded that both Watson and Hansel were culpable for the child’s exposure to fentanyl, a substance that is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and poses fatal risks, especially to children.
Following the investigation, Child Protective Services intervened, removing all four of Watson’s children from her custody. Watson was arrested for felony child endangerment and booked into the Sonoma County Main Adult Detention Facility. Hansel faces similar charges, including drug offenses, as the investigation continues.
The Santa Rosa Police Department emphasized the dangers of fentanyl, stating, “Even a tiny amount can be fatal, especially to children.” The tragic event underscores the urgent need for awareness regarding the risks posed by opioids in homes, particularly where young children reside.
As this story develops, authorities are expected to provide updates on the legal proceedings against both Watson and Hansel. Community members are urged to remain vigilant about the dangers of drug exposure and to seek immediate help in emergencies. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the pressing drug crisis facing many families today.
