'We were betrayed' say parents of 1-year-old baby who died of fentanyl overdose
After a one-year-old child died in a daycare of a fentanyl overdose, and the owners were charged with murder, possession, child endangerment, and a host of other charges, the parents of the children at the daycare are speaking out about the betrayal.
The father of the baby who was killed in a daycare that served as a front for a drug ring says they 'trusted' the owner, who seemed kind and texted updates to them consistently. Otoniel Feliz, dad of tragic tot Nicholas Feliz Dominici, explained that Grei Mendez, 36, the now-arrested owner, would regularly send his wife text updates of “each and every little thing.”
“We trusted her,” Feliz said of Mendez following her arraignment in Bronx Supreme Court. “We feel betrayed by that day care,” Feliz continued, as he held up a photo of the child. He also told media that he had hoped to hold a graduation photo of his child one day, but now all he has “is a reminder of his death.”
READ MORE:Dad of baby killed at Bronx daycare that was front for fentanyl says 'he had so much love'
Nicholas Dominici died after inhaling fentanyl at the nursery operated by Grei Mendez, who has been arrested (Gofundme)“We feel really emotional because we remember every single detail from this tragic event. It’s really hard for us,” Feliz said during a press conference at the Bronx District Attorney’s Office.
Baby boy has spent his life in hospital as doctors are 'scared' to discharge him
Grei Mendez, along with her husband Felix Herrera Garcia, 34, and Carlisto Brito, 41, were indicted Thursday on charges of second-degree murder, second-degree manslaughter, assault and drug possession, among others. A fourth defendant, 38-year-old Renny Antonio Parra Parades, was also charged, but it isn't clear what his role was.
The parents of the one-year-old that died of a heroin overdose in his first week at a Bronx daycare (CBS)They all pled not guilty, with Brito telling Acting Bronx County Supreme Court Justice Margaret Clancy in Spanish, “No culpable.” Brito is Herrera Garcia's cousin.
Herrera Garcia was already at the centre of another narcotics case last year, and when he realized that the police had raided his home, he went on the lam. But not before he stopped by the day care, carrying out a multitude of shopping bags, before instructing his wife to call for medical care. After being a fugitive for ten days, Garcia was nabbed by Mexican authorities Tuesday while trying to get away on a bus near Sinaloa in Mexico.
Police said drugs and drug supplies were stashed under two trap doors at Divino Niño Daycare, and they had somehow passed a recent surprise inspection (DCPI)They all stand accused of running a fentanyl smuggling ring in the basement of the home-based daycare, which resulted in the death of a child and the hospitalization of several others who ended up overdosing because they came into contact with object laced with the deadly narcotic.
Apparently the couple had "trap doors" inside the daycare where they kid the drugs. They also sometimes stashed the fentanyl in a closet - on top of the reading mats. Sitting on those mats is what led the children to overdose, requiring doses of Narcan.
Felix Herrera, 38, was caught and arrested by Mexican authorities for his role in the death of a one-year-old (MEXICO'S DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SECURITY)
Nicholas Feliz Dominici came into contact with fentanyl at his daycare, which is 50 times stronger than heroin and resulted in his tragic death (Facebook)“This was not really a daycare center — this was a drug operation,” Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark said at the press conference. “And they used babies as a shield. I’m outraged.” Police revealed they have found multiple drugs and suspect equipment used in the manufacture of narcotics inside the nursery.
Images released by the NYPD show a large quantity of fentanyl, other narcotics and drug paraphernalia under an artificial floor. A kilo press, used to pack large quantities of drugs, was discovered inside the centre, police said.
Distraught dad Otoniel Feliz told the Mail his late son was due to turn two in November and that this was his first week of daycare. "It was his first week. This was his first week. We had a good recommendation. We were told it was a great place. It looked like a nice place."
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