Parents charged in drug-induced death of 1-year-old Deerfield Beach boy
FORT LAUDERDALE - The parents of a 1-year-old Deerfield Beach child have been arrested for his death.
Wendy Previl, 30, and Shaneka Dean, 33, have been charged with aggravated manslaughter, according to court documents.
According to the Broward Sheriff's Office, deputies were sent to 218 SW 3rd Street on Sept. 24 after receiving a report of a medical emergency.
Arriving deputies found the couple's child, Zaire Cenatus, in "medical distress." The child was rushed to a nearby hospital where he died.
Alvin Muff, a neighbor, told CBS4's Peter D'Oench he vividly remembers what happened. "I saw all sorts of police outside. You know I feel bad. I feel sad. You don't want to see this happening. I love all kids. There weren't any problems here before."
Sheriff's detectives said their investigation revealed that Dean and Previl, "failed to provide the care, supervision and services necessary for 1-year-old Zaire Cenatus. As a result of this culpable negligence, the child died from a lethal intoxication of drugs, including fentanyl."
BSO spokesman Carey Codd said "Investigators believe the parents failed to provide adequate supervision of the child. It is not clear when the child ingested the lethal and deadly combination of drugs in the home but the child was exposed to fentanyl in the home. As a parent, you have an obligation to provide a safe and protected place for your child. In this case, investigators believe they failed and this is a serious crime. This is a heartbreaking situation."
Codd said, "This issue is such a concern because it is well known that even the smallest amount of fentanyl can cause death and this is a special concern when it comes to the exposure of children to the drugs."
Dean and Previl were also charged with possession of fentanyl.
Dean was able to bond out of jail after making an appearance before a judge.
During his hearing, Previl's bond was raised from $100,000 to $175,000. If he does make bail, he is to have no contact with Dean.
