Sault, Ont., man charged in drug overdose death of a child

A 42-year-old man from Sault Ste. Marie has been charged with manslaughter in connection with the drug overdose death of a child.

Police received a 911 call requesting a welfare check on the child Sept. 4, 2023, at an apartment building on Albert Street West.

“Officers attended around 8:30 p.m. and were let into the residence and located an unresponsive child,” police said in a news release Thursday.

“Officers requested EMS, administered naloxone and attempted CPR. The child was pronounced deceased by paramedics.”

Fentanyl overdose

An autopsy report revealed the child had overdosed on fentanyl, the release said.

The suspect was arrested March 5 and charged with manslaughter in connection with the death. Police haven’t released the age of the child in the case, or the relationship between the child and the suspect charged in the case.

The accused was held in custody pending a bail hearing.

“The tragic loss of this young life is a stark reminder of the devastation fentanyl inflicts on our community,” Sault police chief Hugh Stevenson is quoted as saying in the news release.

“Our officers remain steadfast in their commitment to holding those who distribute this poison accountable. We will continue to work tirelessly to remove these deadly substances from our streets and seek justice for the victims.”