A Phoenix woman is facing a manslaughter charge following the death of her 18-month-old son, who authorities say had fentanyl in his system. The case stems from an April incident in which the child was found unresponsive at a home in Phoenix and later died after spending nearly a month in critical condition.
Court documents indicate that the investigation remains active as authorities continue reviewing the circumstances surrounding the child’s death.
Incident
According to court records, officers responded on April 19 to a call near 11th Avenue and Mountain View Road in Phoenix regarding an unresponsive child.
When emergency personnel arrived, they found an 18-month-old boy in critical condition. The Phoenix Fire Department transported the child to a hospital for emergency treatment.
Despite medical efforts, the child died on May 19, approximately one month after the incident.
Authorities have not publicly released the child’s name.
Toxicology Findings
Court documents state that a toxicology report detected fentanyl in the toddler’s system.
Investigators determined that the child’s death was caused by injuries sustained from the overdose, according to the records.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that can be extremely dangerous, particularly for young children. Public health officials have repeatedly warned that even small amounts can cause severe medical emergencies or death.
The findings became a key part of the criminal investigation following the child’s hospitalization and subsequent death.
Mother’s Statements
The child’s mother, Kimberly Michelle Martin, spoke with investigators following the incident.
According to court documents, Martin said she went to sleep and later found her son unresponsive on the floor after waking up.
Documents indicate that Martin recognized signs consistent with an overdose and attempted to administer Narcan before contacting emergency services.
Narcan, also known as naloxone, is a medication used to reverse the effects of opioid overdoses in emergency situations.
Investigators included Martin’s statements as part of the evidence reviewed during the case.
Criminal Charges
Martin was initially indicted on a child abuse charge on April 28, a little more than a week after the child was hospitalized.
Following the child’s death on May 19, prosecutors added a manslaughter charge.
Court records indicate that authorities believe the child’s fatal overdose forms the basis for the upgraded charge.
Martin now faces allegations related both to the child’s exposure to fentanyl and the resulting death.
As with all criminal cases, the charges represent allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Case Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Kimberly Michelle Martin |
| Child’s Age | 18 Months |
| Incident Date | April 19 |
| Death Date | May 19 |
| Location | Near 11th Avenue and Mountain View Road, Phoenix |
| Initial Charge | Child Abuse |
| Additional Charge | Manslaughter |
| Substance Identified | Fentanyl |
| Investigation Status | Ongoing |
Prior History
According to the court documents, Martin reportedly had previous interactions with the Arizona Department of Child Safety involving drug-related concerns.
Authorities have not publicly disclosed details regarding those prior incidents or whether they are directly connected to the current criminal case.
Investigators often review prior agency involvement when examining child welfare and safety concerns related to ongoing investigations.
Ongoing Investigation
Court records state that Martin told investigators she last used fentanyl three days before the incident.
Authorities continue to investigate how the child came into contact with the substance and whether additional evidence may be relevant to the case.
Law enforcement officials have not released further details regarding the location where the overdose occurred or whether other individuals were present at the time.
Additional findings could emerge as investigators complete their review and prosecutors prepare for future court proceedings.
Broader Concerns
The case highlights ongoing concerns surrounding fentanyl exposure among children. Health officials and law enforcement agencies across the United States have reported an increase in accidental exposures involving young children in recent years.
Medical experts warn that children are particularly vulnerable because even very small amounts of fentanyl can cause life-threatening respiratory depression and other severe complications.
Public safety campaigns have encouraged caregivers to store medications and controlled substances securely and seek immediate medical assistance if exposure is suspected.
The death of the Phoenix toddler remains under investigation as authorities continue examining the circumstances that led to the overdose. Meanwhile, Kimberly Michelle Martin faces criminal charges that could move forward through the court system as prosecutors seek accountability in connection with the child’s death.
FAQs
What charges does Kimberly Martin face?
She faces manslaughter and child abuse charges.
How old was the child?
The boy was 18 months old.
What substance was found?
Fentanyl was found in the child’s system.
When did the child die?
The child died on May 19.
Is the investigation complete?
No, authorities say it is ongoing.
