Parents Charged With Murder in Toddler’s Fatal Fentanyl Overdose
San Francisco prosecutors have charged Michelle Price and Steve Ramirez with murder after their 2-year-old daughter, Stevie Price, died from a fentanyl overdose. The parents are accused of leaving the deadly drug within the toddler's reach. This case marks the first time murder charges have been filed in a fatal fentanyl overdose in the city.
San Francisco prosecutors have charged a mother and father with murder after their 2-year-old daughter died from a fatal fentanyl overdose. The parents, Michelle Price and Steve Ramirez, are accused of leaving the potent drug within their daughter Stevie Price’s reach. This marks the first time San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins has filed murder charges in a fentanyl overdose death.
Tragic Discovery in Filthy Home
The case came to light on February 12th when paramedics and police responded to a call about a child who had stopped breathing at the couple’s home on 18th Street. Upon arrival, officers found the home in a state they described as filthy.
They discovered 2-year-old Stevie Price deceased. Investigators soon found what they later identified as fentanyl near the young girl’s body.
Parents’ Initial Reactions and Arrests
Michelle Price, the child’s mother, was arrested at the scene. Investigators reported that she told them, “It is what it is.” The child’s father, Steve Ramirez, reportedly fled on a bike but was apprehended by police.
Despite initially stating, “My daughter is not breathing,” Ramirez later denied being the child’s father. However, DNA evidence later confirmed he was Stevie’s father.
Both parents were initially arrested on charges of child endangerment and drug-related offenses. They were scheduled to appear in court, where prosecutors intended to pursue murder charges.
Prosecutors Detail Murder Charges
District Attorney Brooke Jenkins explained the rationale behind the murder charges. She stated that fentanyl was found loosely accessible in the home, posing a clear danger to the toddler. The prosecution believes the parents were aware of fentanyl’s deadly nature and the risks involved.
“It was clear to me that these parents were aware of its lethality and the danger of fentanyl and where I believe that it was appropriate to file charges in this particular case related to an overdose death.”
The toxicology report confirmed the presence of fentanyl in the child’s system. It also showed Narcan, a drug used to reverse opioid overdoses, indicating the parents may have known the child had ingested the substance and attempted to counteract it. This, prosecutors argue, shows they understood the deadly risk and failed to take necessary precautions.
A Warning to Parents Battling Addiction
District Attorney Jenkins emphasized that this case is a strong warning to others struggling with addiction. She stated her office takes these situations very seriously. Parents who knowingly possess fentanyl, understand its danger, and allow their children to be exposed to it face serious accountability, especially if a child dies.
The DA clarified that the murder charge is based on a theory of “conscious disregard for human life.” She stressed that this was not an intentional killing. Instead, it stems from the parents’ awareness of fentanyl’s dangers and their reckless decision to allow the child access to it.
Evidence and Future Prosecutions
The decision to upgrade charges to homicide required further evidence. Prosecutors needed to wait for the coroner’s and toxicology reports.
They also worked to secure records and other evidence proving the parents were aware of fentanyl’s lethal dangers. This thorough process was essential to build the case for murder charges.
While this is the first fatal fentanyl overdose case resulting in murder charges in San Francisco, it is not the first child overdose. The district attorney’s office has previously charged parents with child endangerment in cases where children survived overdoses. Jenkins indicated that this approach will continue for other similar cases.
What’s Next
The parents, who were not in custody during the initial charges, were expected to be remanded into custody. Prosecutors planned to seek their remand at their upcoming court appearance. The next court date will be crucial in determining the legal proceedings against Michelle Price and Steve Ramirez.
Source: California couple charged with murder in toddler’s fatal fentanyl overdose (YouTube)
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