Mother arrested and charged after 1-year-old died from drug exposure

A 33-year-old woman has been charged with Failing to Provide the Necessaries of Life after her infant son died.

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, a woman called 911 after her child had become unresponsive at her residence. A family member provided emergency medical care until the arrival of an ambulance. Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WPFS) went to the residence in the 300 block of Sherbrook Street and conveyed the child to the hospital in critical condition. At the hospital, the one-year-old was pronounced deceased.

The Child Abuse Unit assumed the investigation and learned through the autopsy and toxicology reports that Stewart’s death had been caused by high levels of fentanyl and carfentanyl intoxication. Through their investigation, the Child Abuse Unit determined Stewart's death was caused by exposure to these substances within the residence.

The Child Abuse Unit consulted with the Manitoba Prosecution Service. Together they determined to charge Failing to Provide the Necessaries of Life against the biological mother.

On March 29, 2024, the 33-year-old mother went to police headquarters where she was arrested and processed by investigators. She was released via an undertaking as mandated by the Criminal Code.