Chester County father admits role in child’s fentanyl overdose
Father confesses involvement in child’s fentanyl fatality.
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
WEST CHESTER — A Chester County father has pleaded guilty to the tragic death of his 4-year-old son due to fentanyl intoxication. Jason Moore, 37, admitted his responsibility in the 2022 incident, where traces of the illegal drug were found on a lollypop near the child’s sleeping area. The guilty plea came after First Assistant District Attorney Erin O’Brien presented the case details, and Moore agreed with most of the facts laid out.
Guilty Plea and Sentence
During the court hearing, Judge Thomas P. “Tip” McCabe questioned Moore about his agreement with the presented facts, to which he responded affirmatively after consulting with his attorney, James McMullen. As part of the plea agreement, Moore was sentenced to serve five to 10 years in state prison on charges of endangering the welfare of a child and involuntary manslaughter.
Additionally, Moore will undergo five years of court-supervised probation, including random drug screenings, participation in a parenting class, and no children living in his residence during the probation period.
Investigation Details
The tragic incident unfolded in November 2022, when the Caln Township Police Department responded to an unresponsive 4-year-old at a residence in Thorndale. Despite efforts to revive the child, he was pronounced dead at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
An investigation revealed that Moore, along with his wife Amanda Owens Moore, left the child and a younger sibling in the care of a 13-year-old while they were out. The child showed signs of sickness prior to his passing, and traces of fentanyl were later discovered on a lollypop in the couple’s bedroom trash can.
Further forensic analysis confirmed fentanyl toxicity as the cause of death, leading to the arrest of both parents. Amanda Moore had already pleaded guilty to similar charges and awaits sentencing.
Drug Use and Neglect
The investigation uncovered that both parents were regular drug users, with Jason Moore bringing fentanyl into the home the night before the tragic event. Despite Amanda Moore’s initial denials, toxicology tests and evidence pointed to their drug use.
The couple’s neglectful behaviour, leaving the sick child unattended with inadequate care, led to the devastating outcome. The presence of fentanyl in the child’s body and surroundings painted a grim picture of the parents’ negligence and drug abuse.
Legal Proceedings and Consequences
With the guilty plea, Jason Moore accepted his role in his son’s death and will face the consequences outlined in the plea agreement. The court-supervised probation and prison sentence aim to hold him accountable for his actions and prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The case serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers of drug abuse and neglect, especially when innocent lives are at stake.
To contact staff writer Michael P. Rellahan, call 610-696-1544.
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1. Chester County father admits role in child’s fentanyl death
2. Chester County father admits role in child’s fentanyl incident.
