A tragic incident unfolded in Lancaster, California, as 1-year-old Justin Bulley lost his life after coming into contact with a lethal dose of fentanyl during an approved visit with his mother. The toddler’s death has sparked outrage and raised questions about the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services’ (DCFS) ability to protect vulnerable children under its care.
Justin’s father, Montise Bulley, expressed his grief and frustration, blaming the DCFS for failing to safeguard his son. He had been fighting for full custody of Justin while the child was in the custody of the child welfare system. In a press conference, Bulley, a truck driver, tearfully shared his pain and emphasized his intention to seek justice for his son’s death.
Attorney Brian Claypool, representing Bulley and two of Justin’s siblings, filed a notice of claims against L.A. County for damages amounting to $65 million. Claypool intends to file a wrongful-death lawsuit against the DCFS, highlighting a pattern of tragedies involving children in the Antelope Valley area. He criticized the department for its alleged negligence and called for urgent reforms within the nation’s largest child welfare system.
Justin’s death is the latest in a series of distressing cases, including the torture and killing of 4-year-old Noah Cuatro in 2019 and the prolonged abuse suffered by 10-year-old Anthony Avalos, both of which occurred despite warnings to the DCFS. Claypool described Justin’s death as the most egregious case of malfeasance he has encountered in his career.
The Los Angeles County medical examiner determined that Justin’s death on February 18 was caused by the effects of fentanyl, ruling it an accidental death. Paramedics attempted to use naloxone, an opioid overdose reversal drug, but were unable to save the toddler. The autopsy revealed no other trauma, and the toxicology report confirmed a lethal dose of fentanyl in Justin’s bloodstream.
During the investigation, authorities discovered drug paraphernalia, including glass pipes and baggies with unknown substances, in areas accessible to the children at Justin’s mother’s house. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is currently investigating the case, and the district attorney’s office will determine whether charges will be filed.
Claypool’s notice of damages alleges that a DCFS worker was present at the home during the visit but fled the scene when Justin was found unconscious. The document also claims that Justin’s siblings may have ingested fentanyl. The DCFS tested the other children for the drug, but the results have not been disclosed.
The Los Angeles County DCFS declined to comment on the case, citing pending litigation. Attempts to reach Justin’s mother, Jessica Darthard, for comment were unsuccessful.
As Montise Bulley prepares to pursue legal action, he emphasized that his primary concern is not the monetary compensation but rather the loss of his son. Claypool argued that Justin and his siblings should not have been allowed to visit their mother due to her past convictions for drunk driving and child endangerment, as well as the grandfather’s criminal history involving drug-related arrests.
1 Response
This is such a heartbreaking story. My heart goes out to Justin Bulley and his family. It’s important that we raise awareness about the dangers of fentanyl and the devastating consequences it can have. I would be more than happy to share this post on my social media platforms to help spread the word and promote the importance of safety precautions when it comes to drugs. Let’s work together to prevent such tragedies from happening in the future.