Accident – Death – Obituary News : A shocking incident has rocked South Florida, where a 10-month-old girl tragically lost her life after ingesting fentanyl. Samantha Yi, 32, and Darnell Mendez, 31, are now facing federal charges in connection with the baby’s death. The duo appeared in federal court in West Palm Beach, where they were charged with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl. Yi is also facing a charge of distribution of fentanyl resulting in death.
The arrest of Yi and Mendez came as a result of a collaborative effort between the Boynton Beach Police Department, Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, and Drug Enforcement Administration. The tragic incident unfolded on March 31, 2022, when 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.
The baby was rushed to Bethesda Hospital East and later transferred to Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital in Hollywood, where she sadly passed away five days later. An autopsy revealed that the cause of the baby’s death was fentanyl intoxication. This heartbreaking incident has sent shockwaves through the community, prompting swift action from law enforcement.
Kelly Kirwan, the baby’s mother, was arrested on a charge of aggravated manslaughter of a child by culpable negligence. Boynton Beach police discovered fentanyl inside the baby’s home, indicating that she ingested the dangerous substance while in the care of her mother. The investigation revealed that the baby’s father was at work at the time of the incident.
The Drug Enforcement Administration joined forces with local authorities to identify the individuals responsible for distributing the fatal dose of fentanyl. Through a thorough investigation, law enforcement officials were able to uncover incriminating text messages between Kirwan and Yi, who was identified as the seller. Mendez, Yi’s boyfriend, was also implicated in the illegal activity.
Yi allegedly met with Kirwan and sold her the deadly dose of fentanyl on March 30, 2022. Investigators spent over a year gathering evidence of Yi and Mendez’s involvement in selling fentanyl to undercover officers, ultimately leading to their arrests. During the court proceedings, prosecutors revealed that 14 guns were found in the couple’s home at the time of their arrest, raising further concerns about their criminal activities.
Kirwan is currently awaiting trial on the aggravated manslaughter charge, as the legal process continues to unfold in this tragic case. The community is reeling from the loss of the innocent baby, and authorities are working diligently to hold those responsible for her death accountable for their actions. This devastating incident serves as a grim reminder of the dangers of illicit drug distribution and the devastating impact it can have on individuals and families..