Canoga Park Mom Charged with Murder of Twin Sons Due to Fentanyl Poisoning
Jestice James has been charged with the murder of her three-year-old twin sons, Josiah and Jestine James. The twins were allegedly exposed to drugs laced with fentanyl, a highly potent synthetic opioid. Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced the charges, emphasizing the growing concern over the impact of fentanyl on young children. The incident occurred on July 11, 2024, at a residence in Canoga Park, near Sherman Way and Winnetka Avenue. Paramedics arrived and began life-saving measures on the boys. Both children were transported to a local hospital. Unfortunately, Josiah was pronounced dead on July 11, while Jestine was hospitalized in critical condition and passed away on July 13.
Charges Filed Against Jestice James
James has been charged with two counts of murder and two counts of child abuse/endangerment. Under California Penal Code § 187, murder is defined as the unlawful killing of a human being with malice aforethought, implying that the prosecution believes there was an intentional act with a disregard for human life. The child abuse/endangerment charges fall under Penal Code § 273a, which indicates that the circumstances in which the children were placed were likely to cause great bodily harm or death.
Sequence of Events on July 11, 2024
On the morning of July 11, 2024, Jestice James discovered her three-year-old twin sons unresponsive at their home in Canoga Park. At approximately 11:20 a.m., she called 911, prompting an immediate response from emergency services. Paramedics arrived shortly after and began life-saving measures on both boys. They were transported to a nearby hospital where, tragically, Josiah was pronounced dead the same day. Jestine, who had been in critical condition, succumbed to his injuries on July 13, 2024.
The investigation revealed that the children had been exposed to fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid known for its high risk of overdose. This exposure allegedly occurred within their home environment, leading to the charges against James. The response by the emergency services and the subsequent medical intervention highlight the immediate danger posed by the substance. The legal proceedings will now focus on establishing how the children were exposed to fentanyl and determining James’s culpability in this tragic incident.
District Attorney George Gascón expressed serious concern over the incident, highlighting the growing issue of young children falling victim to the opioid crisis. He emphasized the lethal danger of fentanyl and the collective responsibility to protect vulnerable children. He stressed his office’s commitment to holding accountable those who expose children to such dangerous substances.
Preliminary results from the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner indicate that the twins were exposed to fentanyl, leading to their fatal overdoses. The precise circumstances of how the children came into contact with the drug are still under investigation. The ongoing police investigation is focused on uncovering the source of the fentanyl and determining the chain of events that led to the children’s exposure. Investigators are looking into the home environment and any potential lapses in supervision or safety that may have contributed to this tragic outcome. The findings will play a crucial role in the prosecution’s case against James and in understanding how such a preventable tragedy occurred.
James’s arraignment is set for today in Department 10 of the Los Angeles County Superior Court, Van Nuys Branch. At the arraignment, the charges will be formally presented, and she will enter a plea. She is being held on $4 million bail. If convicted, she faces life in prison.
