Ohio parents arrested after 20-month-old child ingests fentanyl and dies

CIRCLEVILLE, Ohio (TCD) -- A 25-year-old man and 26-year-old woman were arrested after their two children reportedly ingested fentanyl, killing one of them.

According to the Circleville Police Department, on Sunday, Jan. 16, police were alerted about an unresponsive child at the Ohio Health Berger Hospital. Police say the child’s sibling was also in the hospital suffering from severe illness and vomiting.

Officers reportedly arrived at the hospital, and after lifesaving measures were performed, the 20-month-old child passed away. Police say the 3-year-old sibling was closely monitored and treated before being released to family members.

Upon further investigation, police say the children had ingested fentanyl at the family’s apartment at 151 W. High St. A search warrant was reportedly executed at the residence, and after performing lab tests, some substances returned positive for fentanyl and acetylfentanyl.

According to police, the mother, Brianna Roush, and the father, Nicholas Lee, were interviewed and eventually admitted to using and selling illicit drugs like fentanyl and crack cocaine, though they did not know how the children were able to access the fentanyl.

Lee and Roush were arrested and charged with involuntary manslaughter, attempted involuntary manslaughter, two counts each for child endangering, trafficking in fentanyl, and possession of fentanyl. They were booked into Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office Jail.

In a statement, the Circleville Police Department said, "Our department and our personnel are deeply saddened and outraged at the death of an innocent child due to the illegal drugs that plague our community. If you have a drug addiction or know someone that does, please reach out for help. The senseless deaths in our community due to dangerous drugs needs to stop."

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