A tragic incident unfolded in Riviera Beach, Florida, where a 5-year-old boy lost his life after reportedly ingesting juice tainted with methamphetamine. The boy’s mother, Heather Opsincs, has been charged with negligent manslaughter following her arrest last week, as per information obtained by PEOPLE.
According to Riviera Beach police, Opsincs had left a plastic bottle of apple juice containing methamphetamine in the refrigerator of her room at the Sands Hotel. Tragically, her young son found and consumed the toxic beverage last Sunday, resulting in a fatal overdose.
The child, under the care of a babysitter at the time, exhibited symptoms such as shivering, shaking, stiffness, and a downward head tilt before his untimely demise, as stated in a probable cause affidavit. Allegedly, Opsincs delayed calling 911 for an hour after learning of her son’s illness.
Emergency responders arrived at the hotel, provided medical assistance to the boy, and rushed him to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead, according to a press release from Riviera Beach police.
Opsincs reportedly tested positive for methamphetamine twice, and her son also tested positive. Police discovered drug paraphernalia, including six meth pipes and two apple juice bottles, inside the apartment.
Inmate records reveal that Opsincs remains in custody at Palm Beach County Jail, with a bond set at $100,000. At her pretrial detention hearing, Judge April Bristow remarked on the severity of the case and permitted Opsincs the option of bond release under certain conditions, including restrictions on contact with witnesses and minors.
Opsincs is scheduled to appear in court on April 22. Stay informed by signing up for PEOPLE’s free True Crime newsletter for the latest updates on crime news and ongoing trials.
