Parents Arrested After Toddler’s Suspected Overdose Death
Saint Paul police have arrested the parents of a young child after his suspected overdose death Christmas Day.
Officers were called to a residence in the 1000 block of 5th Street East shortly after 1:30 p.m. Wednesday where they found the boy unresponsive.
The approximately 18-month-old was transported to Regions Hospital but was pronounced dead a short time later, authorities have confirmed.
Investigators say preliminary information suggests narcotics may have been a factor in the child’s death, with initial radio dispatches saying the substance found was fentanyl.
Jeffrey Weidell, 38, and Jasmine Ryan, 31, have been arrested on suspicion of second-degree manslaughter in connection with their child’s death. Formal charges have not yet been filed and they remain in custody as of publication. The radio traffic reviewed by MN CRIME indicated the child may have been left unattended for up to 20 minutes before the initial report was made.
Authorities have not released additional details, citing the ongoing investigation. The Ramsey County Medical Examiner will conduct an autopsy to determine the exact cause of the child’s death.
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