A Wisconsin mother has been charged after her 3-month-old baby died from a fentanyl overdose, in a case that has shocked the local community.
Mother Charged in Baby’s Death
Tashae Goodman, 31, has been charged with first-degree reckless homicide and chronic child neglect after authorities discovered fentanyl and morphine in her infant’s system. The charges came following an investigation into the baby’s death on March 22.
The Incident
Goodman called 911 claiming she had slept on her baby, who was unresponsive. First responders attempted lifesaving measures, but the baby, whose name has not been released, was pronounced dead.
Investigators said the infant had no medical conditions and was being fed formula every three to four hours. Goodman told authorities that the baby had become wedged between couch cushions and was bleeding from the nose and head. Authorities tested the bottle used during the baby’s last feeding.
Evidence and Investigation
Phone calls between Goodman and the child’s father, who was in jail, showed she first reported the baby’s death and later asked if she should enter detox.
Autopsy results showed no illness, injury, or trauma. Toxicology tests released on April 30 revealed fentanyl in the baby’s bottle and both fentanyl and morphine in the infant’s bloodstream.
In a May 15 interview, Goodman claimed the drugs were from her drug use during pregnancy and that residue in the bottle came from an unclean home.
Other Concerns
Goodman’s 10-year-old son told investigators she was often under the influence of drugs. She was administered Narcan on May 12 after an alleged overdose and had been late picking up her son from school.
Arrest and Court
Goodman was arrested on May 17 and is being held on a $250,000 cash bond. Her preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 28.
