Mom Charged with Murder After Twin 3-Year-Old Boys Die from Fentanyl Exposure, Allege Police: 'Disturbing Trend'

A mother was charged with murder after authorities allege her twin sons died after being exposed to drugs laced with fentanyl.

Jestice James, 22, of Canoga Park, Calif., was charged with two counts of murder and two counts of child abuse after her sons Josiah and Jestine, both 3 years old, died within days of having been exposed to fentanyl, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office says.

Paramedics responded to the home in Canoga Park on July 11, prosecutors say, and attempted to resuscitate the twins. Josiah died that day and Jestine died two days later, according to the DA’s office.

James is currently being held on $4 million bond in a Los Angeles County jail. It is not immediately clear if she has entered a plea or retained an attorney.

“These innocent boys reportedly came into contact with fentanyl, an opioid that has wreaked havoc across our communities,” District Attorney George Gascón said in a statement. “This tragedy is part of a disturbing trend where babies and toddlers are increasingly becoming victims of the opioid crisis. The deadly capabilities of fentanyl cannot be overstated, and it is our collective responsibility to protect those who cannot protect themselves. My office is committed to holding accountable anyone who exposes vulnerable children to such dangerous substances.”

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KTLA reported that the twins’ godmother spoke at a press conference.

“This is really hard,” Regina Holmes reportedly said. “This is really hard for the family and we want to bring awareness about fentanyl.”