California Mom Faces Murder Charges After 3-Year-Old Twins Die From Fentanyl Exposure

The boys had just celebrated their birthday 2 days earlier

Jestine and Josiah
A GoFundMe page describes the twins as fun-loving, goofy and energetic babies. GoFundMe

A California woman is facing murder charges after allegedly exposing her three-year-old twins to drugs laced with fentanyl just two days after their birthdays.

Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced the arrest of 24-year-old Jestice James on Tuesday.

"These innocent boys reportedly came into contact with fentanyl, an opioid that has wreaked havoc across our communities," Gascón said. "This tragedy is part of a disturbing trend where babies and toddlers are increasingly becoming victims of the opioid crisis."

Police responded to a home in the San Fernando Valley shortly after 11 a.m. on July 11. Paramedics attempted life-saving measures on Josiah and Jestine, who were immediately transported to a local hospital.

Josiah died later that day, while Jestine was pronounced dead on July 13.

A GoFundMe campaign set up to cover funeral and burial costs described the boys as fun-loving, goofy, and energetic babies.

"Our hearts are broken," organizer Latina Allen said.

James is currently being held on $4 million bail. If convicted, she faces life in prison.

The Los Angeles Police Department is still investigating the case.

Tags
Death, California
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