Petaluma Mother Headed for Prison in the Fentanyl Pill Death of her Son

A Petaluma woman sits in jail awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty to felony child-endangerment in the April death of her 16-year-old son.  Petaluma Patch reports that the teenager died as the result of ingesting a counterfeit Xanax pill containing fentanyl.  His mother is facing up to 12 years in prison when sentenced. Her co-defendant in the case has been arraigned but has yet to face trial.

According to KTVU News, the defendant initially gave a false name to the police who responded to the emergency call made by the co-defendant’s roommate. It was only later that the defendant identified herself as the boy’s mother.  The Press Democrat reports that both defendants were allegedly under the influence when they were arrested, and admitted thought it likely the boy had taken a fentanyl pill disguised as Xanax.

The Press Democrat describes how authorities believe that both defendants noticed the boy was in medical distress, and that they placed him in the shower clothed in an attempt to revive him. The co-defendant’s roommate called 911. When police arrived they found the boy alone in a car outside, soaking wet and unconscious. Petaluma Patch reports that he was pronounced dead Petaluma Valley Hospital.

According to the Press Democrat, the teenager was the third, and the youngest overdose death in Petaluma in the last six months, and that there have been 19 other overdose calls in that time frame. Most of the calls were for teens and adults in their 20’s.