California two-year-old dies of acute fentanyl toxicity after overdosing on drugs, mother faces murder charges
BRENTWOOD, CALIFORNIA: A young mother was charged on Tuesday, October 3, after her two-year-old son died of acute fentanyl toxicity. Genesis Barrera-Galdamez is facing second-degree murder charges along with charges for possession of controlled substance for sale and child abuse resulting in great bodily injury after Jasani Kerry died on September 20. As per The Sun, on the morning of September 20, the 22-year-old mother called 911 after finding the toddler unresponsive in a Brentwood home. Later in the day, Kerry was pronounced dead, and according to authorities, the pathologist ruled his death as acute fentanyl toxicity.
A criminal complaint stated that due to overdose the little boy faced "comatose due to brain injury and to suffer paralysis.” The complaint does not specify how Kerry took the drug, but it mentioned that Barrera-Galdamez allegedly "did unlawfully and with malice aforethought murder Jasani Kerry, Jr., a human being,” PEOPLE reported. The complaint added that the accused allegedly did "permit said child to be placed in such situation that his/her person and health was/were endangered."
The bond for the mother has been set up at $1.1million. According to reports, she has not yet entered a plea. Meanwhile, an online obituary for the child stated that he “was a brief, beautiful gift from God who touched the lives of loved ones, and strangers alike.”
“He left footprints on all of our hearts. Baby Sani was such a special boy, whose smile brightened up any room and warmed everyone\'s hearts. Sani was always happy whether he was playing with his cars, or throwing balls. He also loved playing with balloons. Baby Sani was full of energy running up and down our hallways. He loved jumping on the bed. Watching him explore and excelling at all of his milestones was such a joy. He made us all very proud. Although his time with us was cut too short, Baby Sani leaves a lifetime of love and memories. He will live on through all of those who loved him dearly,” it added.
A GoFundMe page has also been launched for Kerry's funeral expenses. At the time of writing, the page had received more than $3000 dollar. The message on the fundraiser read: “My name is Cindy Tunales and along with my family and sister Genesis Barrera Galdamez, mother of baby Sani, we are Paying Tribute to my nephew Jasani Kerry Jr. who tragically lost his life on the morning of Sunday September 20th. This loss has been very devastating because he was the baby of the family. He was always happy and full of life. He would always bring smiles to all of our faces. The amount we are asking for is to cover his funeral expenses. We are extremely grateful for any amount donated and for your prayers as well. Thank you on behalf of my family and I.”
A statement from Brentwood police Lieutenant Walter O’Grodnick stated, “This tragic loss was completely preventable.” “As an agency, these types of investigations are extremely hard to handle and the emotional impact never gets any easier to process. Our hearts go out to Jasani, and the family members and friends impacted by his untimely death,” it added.