In a heartbreaking turn of events that underscores the ongoing opioid crisis, two Akron family members have been sentenced for the fentanyl-related death of a small child. The mother, Kayera Lenoir, 24, and the grandfather, Timothy Lenoir, 58, were handed down 30-month prison sentences in Summit County Common Pleas Court for their roles in the tragic incident, as reported by Cleveland19.
Kayera Lenoir had admitted to involuntary manslaughter and child endangering charges, while Timothy Lenoir pled guilty to child endangering, according to statements published by WKYC. The case centered on two-year-old Valentina Lenoir, who died on October 27, 2022, after ingesting fentanyl. The Summit County Prosecutor noted the home's appalling condition contributed to a situation where a child's exposure to the potent opioid went unnoticed.
Judge Christine Croce, addressing the gravity of their negligence, was quoted by News 5 Cleveland saying, "Valentina can't defend herself. She's two. She was two. There was nothing she could do to protect herself." The defense attorneys had requested community control; however, Judge Croce issued the 30-month sentence, which was just shy of the maximum of three years.
Kayera Lenoir expressed her remorse during the trial, telling the court, "I failed her. I know I failed my baby and I can't take it back, but I live with it every day of my life and there's nothing I can do to bring her back." The defense highlighted Kayera's struggles as a single mother, once sheltering with her four children in homelessness before moving in with Timothy, as portrayed by News 5 Cleveland. Timothy Lenoir's admission in court was terse, acknowledging the irreversible mistake.
