A Metairie couple is behind bars after a 2-year-old boy was rushed to a New Orleans children's hospital on Tuesday showing signs of an overdose, according to investigators. The toddler later tested positive for both fentanyl and cocaine, and medical staff used naloxone to stabilize him before admitting him for further care.
Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office investigators identified the adults as 27-year-old Kayla Bonilla and 29-year-old Tyler Brady. Both were booked on second-degree cruelty to a juvenile, authorities said. Brady is not the child's father, and both are being held without bail at the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center in Gretna. The arrests and booking details were reported by NOLA.
Sgt. Brandon Veal said there were clear signs the child was in distress, and detectives were called to the hospital at about 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, according to the sheriff's office. Officials said Bonilla and Brady waited several hours before seeking medical help, a delay detectives say complicated the child's treatment, per NOLA.
Child Stabilized With Naloxone at Pediatric Center
Hospital staff administered naloxone to reverse the toddler's overdose symptoms before he was transferred to Manning Family Children's Hospital in New Orleans. Manning Family Children's is a 247-bed pediatric medical center that serves as the region's primary children's hospital and takes in critical pediatric cases. The facility is listed among Tulane's affiliated pediatric centers, according to the Tulane School of Medicine.
Why Small Exposures Can Be Deadly For Kids
Health experts warn that even tiny amounts of fentanyl can be deadly for young children, and U.S. poison centers have tracked a sharp rise in pediatric exposures in recent years. Many of those pediatric fentanyl cases happen at home, and a large share of affected children need naloxone to reverse dangerous breathing problems. Parents and caregivers are urged to lock up medications and call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 if exposure is suspected, according to America's Poison Centers.
Legal Stakes
Under Louisiana law, second-degree cruelty to juveniles applies when intentional or criminally negligent mistreatment or neglect causes serious bodily injury or neurological impairment. The offense can carry penalties of up to 40 years in prison. Prosecutors will review whether the alleged delay in seeking medical care fits the statute, which hinges on intentional or criminally negligent conduct that causes serious harm. The statute's language and penalties are outlined in state law at Justia.
Investigators said the probe remains active and asked anyone with information to contact the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office. Non-emergency tips and media inquiries can be submitted through the agency's public affairs page at JPSO.
