Arrest Made in Fentanyl Death at Bronx Day Care: Husband Captured in Mexico
The husband of the owner of a day care in the Bronx has been arrested in Mexico in connection with the death of a 1-year-old boy from fentanyl exposure. The tragic incident at El Divino Nino day care resulted in the death of little Nicholas Feliz-Dominici and exposure to three other children.
Law enforcement sources have identified the husband as Felix Herrera, 34. He was apprehended on a bus in Sinaloa on Tuesday after an intense two-week manhunt. Authorities believe that Herrera was attempting to flee to his home country, the Dominican Republic, as he drove south through Texas and crossed the Mexican border.
Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny revealed that on the day the children were poisoned, Herrera entered the day care through a back entrance and carried several bags believed to contain bricks of fentanyl. Nicholas tragically lost his life, while two other children, aged 8 months and 2 years, were administered the life-saving drug Narcan at a hospital.
Meanwhile, the fourth child, a 1-year-old boy, had already been picked up by a parent when he started showing signs of lethargy and unresponsiveness. Narcan was also used to treat him after being rushed to the hospital.
Day care owner Grei Mendez, 36, and Carlisto Acevedo Brito, 41, have previously been arrested in connection with the incident. They are facing murder and attempted murder charges from Bronx prosecutors. Additionally, Mendez and Brito are also charged federally for possession with intent to distribute narcotics resulting in death, as well as conspiracy to distribute narcotics resulting in death.
Notably, Mendez allegedly attempted a cover-up by calling another day care employee and her husband before finally dialing 911. Prosecutors claim that her involvement was part of a larger drug operation. Brito is Mendez’s husband’s cousin, according to Bronx prosecutors.
In addition to these arrests, Renny Antonio Parra Paredes made an appearance in Manhattan Federal Court on a charge of conspiracy to distribute narcotics resulting in death. He is currently being held without bail.
The investigation into this tragedy continues, and the arrests made so far bring a sense of closure to this heartbreaking case. The authorities are committed to ensuring justice is served for Nicholas and the other children affected by the fentanyl exposure.
Fentanyl, a highly potent synthetic opioid, has become an alarming concern due to its increasingly widespread use. Incidents like this emphasize the urgent need for communities, law enforcement, and health professionals to work together to combat the illegal distribution and use of this dangerous substance. By addressing the root causes and taking preventive measures, we can strive to protect the well-being of our children and communities.
