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Beginning in late December 2022, The Winnipeg Police Service’s Child Abuse Unit entered into an investigation regarding the sudden death of one-year-old Romeo STEWART.
In the early hours of December 29, 2022, an adult female called 911 after her child had become unresponsive at her residence. A family member provided emergency medical care until the arrival of ambulance. Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service attended to the residence in the 300 block of Sherbrook Street and conveyed the child to hospital in critical condition, where he was subsequently pronounced deceased.
The Child Abuse Unit assumed the investigation and learned through the autopsy and toxicology reports that Romeo’s death resulted from high levels of fentanyl and carfentanyl intoxication. Through their investigation, investigators determined Romeo was exposed to these substances within the residence.
The Child Abuse Unit consulted with the Manitoba Prosecution Service, which authorized the charge of Failing to Provide the Necessaries of Life against the biological mother.
On March 29, 2024, the 33-year-old mother attended police headquarters and was arrested and processed by investigators. She was released via an undertaking as mandated by the Criminal Code.