A missing child that leads to a drug overdose death and the death of another victim in the space of two days has led Montgomery County police to arrest a Maryland man and charge him with first-degree murder.
The charges stem from a Feb. 2 incident that began with a missing toddler from Germantown, Pennsylvania, who was reported missing at approximately 11:30 a.m. on Feb. 2. When the child’s mother found the child unresponsive inside their apartment, she called 911. The Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service reported the toddler was not breathing and was later pronounced dead at 10:13 a.m.
However, when police responded to the scene, the toddler’s father said he had been in the shower, entered his home after showering, stepped out to go outside, and told police that he didn’t remember where he last saw his child. Police then went to the suspect’s address and discovered blood in a bathroom and three hypodermic needles in his bathroom.
The Maryland State Police Medical Examiner determined that the toddler’s death was a result of morphine and fentanyl toxicity and said his death was ruled a homicide. Police arrested the alleged murderer after surveillance footage located him at the scene.
According to USA Today, police also found 20 packets of heroin, 1 gram of powder cocaine, and 1 gram of white powder on the suspect’s person. Police also found a pill prescription that appeared to belong to the victim’s child, who he allegedly called by his name.
Police have also charged the mother of the deceased baby with second-degree murder.