Investigation Underway Following the Death of a 4-Year-Old in Brooklyn Shelter
NEW YORK – A four-year-old boy’s untimely death at a women’s shelter in East Flatbush, Brooklyn, has led to charges against his parents and a police investigation into possible drug exposure.
Incident Overview
The boy was found unresponsive at the “Women In Need” shelter on Glenwood Road on Tuesday. Emergency responders, including a hazmat team, arrived at the scene, where preliminary indications suggested symptoms consistent with an overdose.
Upon their arrival, emergency medical services administered Narcan, a medication used to counteract opioid overdoses, before transporting the child to Maimonides Medical Center, where he later passed away.
Police Investigation and Charges
Authorities have initiated a criminal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the child’s death. Reports indicate that drug paraphernalia was discovered within the shelter, leading officials to suspect that fentanyl exposure may have contributed to the incident.
The boy’s parents, Miriam Elkayam, 26, and Yitzchok Sklar, 32, have been charged with abandonment of a child and criminal possession of a controlled substance. They were arraigned on Wednesday and granted supervised release.
Current Status of the Investigation
As investigations continue, officials have yet to confirm whether fentanyl exposure was definitively responsible for the child’s death. While some evidence suggests that both parents were reportedly using the drug at the time of the incident, the exact cause remains undetermined.
Response from the Shelter Organization
A spokesperson for Women In Need expressed their devastation over the tragic loss of the child. They emphasized their commitment to maintaining a supportive environment for families residing in their shelters and stated, “WIN is devastated by the tragic death of this innocent child who came to reside with us in one of our shelters. We are working closely with the NYPD to support their ongoing investigation.”
Conclusion
The heart-wrenching case highlights ongoing concerns related to substance use within vulnerable populations and the urgent need for supportive resources for families in shelters. As more details unfold, the community remains hopeful for justice and thorough scrutiny of the circumstances leading to this tragedy.
