Accident – Death – Obituary News :
In a tragic incident that has shocked the South Florida community, a couple from West Palm Beach is facing federal charges in connection with the death of a 10-month-old girl who ingested fentanyl. Samantha Yi, 32, and Darnell Mendez, 31, appeared in federal court on Thursday to face charges of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and distribution of fentanyl resulting in death.
Joint Investigation Leads to Arrests
The arrests of Yi and Mendez were the result of a joint investigation involving the Boynton Beach Police Department, Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The investigation began after Palm Beach County deputies found the baby “unresponsive and unconscious” in a car seat in the parking lot of a shopping plaza at the corner of Boynton Beach Boulevard and Military Trail on March 31, 2022.
Baby’s Tragic Death
The infant was rushed to Bethesda Hospital East and later transferred to Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital in Hollywood, where she tragically passed away five days later. An autopsy revealed that the cause of death was fentanyl intoxication.
Mother Arrested on Aggravated Manslaughter Charge
The baby’s mother, Kelly Kirwan, was later arrested on a charge of aggravated manslaughter of a child by culpable negligence. Boynton Beach police discovered fentanyl inside the baby’s home and determined that the baby ingested the drug while in the care of her mother, with her father at work.
DEA Joins Investigation
The DEA joined the investigation to identify the drug dealers responsible for distributing the fatal dose of fentanyl. Investigators uncovered months’ worth of text messages between Kirwan and Yi on Kirwan’s cellphone, identifying Yi as the seller. Mendez, Yi’s boyfriend, was also found to be involved in the distribution.
Arrests and Convictions
After more than a year of surveillance, investigators arrested Yi and Mendez for selling fentanyl to undercover officers. Prosecutors revealed that 14 guns were found in the couple’s home at the time of their arrests, with both Yi and Mendez being convicted felons. Kirwan is currently awaiting trial on the aggravated manslaughter charge.
These shocking events serve as a stark reminder of the dangers of fentanyl and the devastating impact it can have on individuals and families. The community mourns the loss of the innocent baby and awaits justice for those responsible for her untimely death.
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