The parents of a 10-month-old boy who died of a heroin overdose were charged with homicide Monday, nearly three months after the baby’s death.
Samuel Rivera and Erika Santiago were charged in the Jan. 13 death of Yandiel Rivera-Santiago. Toxicology tests determined that the baby had lethal levels of heroin in his system, authorities said.
While investigating the death, police said they found evidence of a drug distribution operation — large amounts of heroin, drug paraphernalia, more than $7,700 and a stolen handgun.
In addition to homicide, Rivera, 29, and Santiago, whose age was not immediately available, also face charges of endangering the welfare of children, reckless endangerment, conspiracy and various drug counts.
Officials said they did not know whether the baby found the drugs around the house and put them in his mouth or if the heroin was fed to him.
A telephone listing for Rivera and Santiago could not be located by The Associated Press and it could not immediately be determined if they had attorneys.