BREAKING: A Santa Rosa mother and her mother have been arrested following the poisoning of an 11-month-old baby by fentanyl. The shocking incident unfolded at approximately 7 p.m. on Sunday at a Range Avenue apartment, where police believe the baby was exposed to the dangerous substance.
According to the Santa Rosa Police Department, the mother, identified as Shaylynne Watson, 35, and her mother, Beverly Hansel, 54, were with Watson’s four children when the exposure occurred. The baby girl was later hospitalized and has since recovered, but concerns remain about the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Detectives report that while the three older children were in another room, the infant was on the floor of a bedroom with Watson nearby. At one point, the baby picked up a small, white substance. Watson, fearing it was fentanyl, alerted Hansel, who administered Narcan to the baby. Despite this immediate action, neither Watson nor Hansel called 911 for medical assistance, police stated.
After approximately five hours, Watson took the baby to an area hospital for evaluation, arriving after midnight. Medical staff confirmed the baby had been exposed to fentanyl, prompting police involvement. Officers were dispatched to the hospital at 3:40 a.m. on Monday.
Subsequent investigations led detectives to execute a search warrant at the grandmother’s apartment. Inside, they discovered numerous narcotics paraphernalia, as well as methamphetamine and black tar heroin, all within reach of the children. The police concluded both women were responsible for the child’s exposure to fentanyl.
With the safety of the children in mind, detectives collaborated with Child Protective Services, resulting in the removal of Watson’s four children from her custody. Watson has been arrested and booked into the Sonoma County Main Adult Detention Facility on charges of felony child endangerment. Hansel faces child endangerment and drug charges.
Authorities emphasize the dangers of fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. Even a minute amount can be fatal, particularly for children, highlighting the urgent need for awareness around this crisis.
The investigation remains ongoing, and police are urging parents to be vigilant about the dangers of drug exposure in homes. This case serves as a stark reminder of the risks posed to children in environments where narcotics are present.
