A tragic death in Porter Ranch is under intense investigation as detectives look into whether a toddler may have been exposed to fentanyl inside his own home.
The young boy was found unresponsive while napping at a residence near Rinaldi Street and Wilbur Avenue, according to police.
Emergency crews rushed to the scene after someone attempted to wake him and discovered he was no longer breathing.
During the emergency response, the child’s father allegedly made a disturbing statement to paramedics, saying he hoped the boy “did not get into his fentanyl,” law enforcement sources told NBC4.
The boy was taken to a hospital on Friday, April 3 in what officials described as “grave” condition. He later died.
Investigators searching the home reportedly uncovered drug paraphernalia along with what sources described as “evidence of drug use,” raising further concerns about the circumstances surrounding the boy’s death.
The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner is currently conducting lab tests to determine the exact cause of death, according to its case tracking system.
Detectives questioned the boy’s father following the incident but released him as the investigation remains ongoing.
Authorities have not announced any arrests as they continue working to determine how the tragedy unfolded.
