Authorities in New Jersey have filed criminal charges against a mother who was allegedly overdosing on heroin when she rolled over on her 13-month-old son, killing him.
Antoinette King, 33, was arrested and charged with second-degree endangering the welfare of a child following Saturday’s death of her son, Jeremiah. The Cinnaminson Patch reported that the toddler’s grandmother called police to the Lumberton home at 8:30 p.m. after finding the pair unresponsive in bed.
Burlington County prosecutors reportedly said first responders revived the mother with Narcan but were unable to revive her toddler son, who was pronounced dead at the hospital. An autopsy will be performed to confirm the child’s cause and manner of death, according to the outlet.
Though prosecutors and Lumberton police are investigating, the Burlington County Times reported authorities believe the overdosing mother rolled onto her toddler son and smothered him.
KYW spoke with a neighbor who babysat Jeremiah said the toddler was born premature and had just learned how to walk.
The neighbor commented, “I just don’t know what else to say, it’s a terrible, terrible, terrible tragedy.”
[Featured image: Jeremiah King/KYW video screengrab]