At least five children younger than 2 have died from fentanyl overdoses since 2020, including three in the South Bay since May.
Here is a look at the tragic death toll.
Jasani Kerry
AGE: 2
DEATH: On Sept. 20, 2020, Jasani died in his family’s Brentwood home after overdosing on fentanyl.
CHARGE: His mom, Genesis Barrera-Galdamez, 22, was charged with second-degree murder but later pleaded to manslaughter.
Francesca Pittman
AGE: 1
DEATH: On Aug. 1, 2022, Francesca died from apparent fentanyl poisoning after being rushed to a hospital from her home in Livermore.
CHARGE: Her father, Justin Pittman, pleaded not guilty to murder charges, and is currently awaiting trial.
Phoenix Castro
Baby Phoenix Castro, who died May 13 of fentanyl poisoning at 3 months old while in the care of her father, has become a symbol of what went wrong with the Santa Clara County Department of Family and Children’s Services as it implemented its “family preservation” plan. (Courtesy of Edward Morillo)
AGE: 3 months
DEATH: On May 13, 2023, Phoenix died from fentanyl and methamphetamine poisoning in her father’s care after he fell asleep on the couch with the baby in their family’s South San Jose apartment with fentanyl coating her pink-flowered onesie. The family had significant involvement with the Santa Clara County child welfare agency.
CHARGE: Her father, David Castro, was charged with felony child neglect in October.
Winter Rayo
An 19-month-old San Jose girl named Winter Rayo has died of a fentanyl-related death. The parents, Kelly Gene Richardson and Derek Vaughn Rayo, are being charged with murder. (Facebook)
AGE: 1
DEATH: On Aug. 12, 2023, Winter died after being exposed to a lethal dose of fentanyl while asleep at home in San Jose.
CHARGE: Her parents, Derek Rayo and Kelly Richardson, were charged with murder last month after waiting at least 10 hours to call 911. The family was not involved with Santa Clara County’s Department of Family and Children’s Services.
Kristofer Ferreyra
Kristofer Ferreyra, 23 months, died of a suspected fentanyl overdose in Fremont, Calif. (Photo Courtesy: Viviana Vera)
AGE: 1
DEATH: On Oct. 18, 2023, Kristofer died after ingesting a lethal dose of fentanyl while at home in Fremont.
CHARGE: His mother, Sophia Gastelum-Vera, was arrested last month and charged with involuntary manslaughter and felony child abuse charges. Alameda’s Department of Children and Family Services had been referred to the family late last year after a domestic dispute.
