A preliminary hearing is set for this Friday to determine the course of a case involving the murder of an 18-month-old boy, Justin Bulley, whose death was caused by fentanyl exposure. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office has charged three family members with crimes related to the incident.
Prosecutor Jon Hatami is leading the investigation and seeks justice for the innocent victims of fentanyl poisoning. He aims to raise awareness about the dangers of the drug and create a precedent for accountability.
The charges include second-degree murder, child abuse, and other counts against Jessica Darthard, Justin’s mother, her grandfather Jesse Darthard, and an approved visitation monitor Secret Rodcliff Daniel. The alleged crime occurred when Jessica left Justin with her grandfather in Lancaster, allowing him access to fentanyl.
All three defendants pleaded not guilty at their initial arraignment. Fentanyl poisoning has been linked to the deaths of five other children under Daniel’s care, who tested positive for the drug.
Prosecutor Hatami compared having fentanyl in a household with young children to having an unsecured firearm, emphasizing its deadly nature. He expressed concern about the impact of fentanyl on the community, particularly in the Santa Clarita Valley.
The case is being assisted by the LASD Homicide Bureau and Overdose Response Task Force. The preliminary hearing will determine whether there’s enough evidence to proceed with a trial.
Source: https://signalscv.com/2025/04/mother-accused-of-fentanyl-poisoning-in-infants-death