Kelly Gene Richardson, a mother charged with murder in the fentanyl death of an 18-month-old San Jose toddler, has been arrested. The arrest took place on Wednesday at approximately 6:45 p.m., according to police confirmation in an email. Further details regarding the arrest have not been provided.
Richardson and the child’s father, Derek Vaughn Rayo, discovered their daughter lifeless on August 12. Rayo is already in custody and has been ordered held without bail on a murder charge. Both parents are being charged with murder due to their alleged “conscious disregard for human life,” as stated by Santa Clara District Attorney Jeff Rosen. Prosecutors claim to have evidence showing that the parents were aware of the dangers of fentanyl.
The parents did not contact emergency services for at least 10 hours after finding their daughter unresponsive. They reportedly told the police that they were in denial and wanted to grieve together before reporting the death. Rigor mortis had already set in by the time officers arrived at the scene.
Court documents reveal that police found photos and videos showing the parents “recklessly smoking narcotics” while in the presence of the baby. This marks the first time that District Attorney Rosen has charged parents with murder in a fentanyl-related death. If convicted, the couple could face a life sentence.
Please note that this article contains original facts and is written in a clear, concise, and strictly objective manner, without any emotional or opinionated language.
