Parents are arrested after their 8-month-old dies from a ‘fentanyl and cocaine overdose’ 

A couple in Florida were arrested after an investigation into their infant son’s death revealed he died from an overdose of fentanyl and cocaine.

David Williams Chappele Jr., 29, and Jessica Marie Strickland, 27, of Cocoa were taken into custody Wednesday and charged with aggravated manslaughter of a child in connection with eight-month-old Tanner’s death.

An autopsy by the Brevard County medical examiner determined that little Tanner’s death was caused by an overdose.

To make matters worse, Strickland’s cousin, Marcy Carpenter, told Orlando News 6 that she had called the Department of Children and Families about drug use in the home three weeks before the baby’s death in September. 

David Williams Chappele Jr pictured with his son Tanner, was arrested in connection with his death Wednesday after the baby’s autopsy revealed he died from an overdose

Jessica Marie Strickland, pictured with Tanner, was also charged after police said Tanner ingested cocaine she was allegedly using while caring for him

Jessica Marie Strickland, pictured with Tanner, was also charged after police said Tanner ingested cocaine she was allegedly using while caring for him

David Williams Chappele Jr., 29, and Jessica Marie Strickland, 27, were arrested Wednesday night and charged with aggravated manslaughter of a child

Jessica Marie Strickland

David Williams Chappele Jr., 29, and Jessica Marie Strickland, 27, were arrested Wednesday night and charged with aggravated manslaughter of a child

An angry Carpenter says the DCF dropped the ball. 

The night of the incident, the couple placed a mattress on the floor of the living room to co-sleep with Tanner in the middle of the bed. 

They woke up and found Tanner unresponsive, and called 911. Tanner was taken to a hospital, and pronounced dead later that night. 

Authorities say residue from fentanyl patches which had been cut in half and were being used by Chappele were transferred to Tanner.

The baby also ingested cocaine that Strickland was allegedly using while caring for him.

Authorities say Tanner's parents were co-sleeping with him on a mattress on the floor of their living room inside their Cocoa home (pictured)

Authorities say Tanner’s parents were co-sleeping with him on a mattress on the floor of their living room inside their Cocoa home (pictured)

The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office says Chappele’s charges are connected to him allowing the baby to be near the drugs that caused his death. 

Strickland’s charges are connected to failing to protect the infant when she knew the dangers of the drugs being near him.

Both Chappele and Strickland are being held at the Brevard County Jail Complex.

 



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