A Boston mother allegedly told first responders that her 4-year-old daughter had been “drinking milk when she turned blue” as the child was dying from fentanyl poisoning, prosecutors said in court Monday.
Dayanna Familia, 35, was arraigned in Dorchester after police arrested her Saturday in connection with the Aug. 17 death of her daughter, Liyanna, NBC 10 reported.
The girl’s medical emergency unfolded shortly before 9 p.m. in the 200 block of Fuller Street. Boston police officers attempted to save her before she was taken to a nearby hospital, where she died, authorities said.
Prosecutors said in court that Liyanna died after unknowingly ingesting fentanyl. They also alleged that Familia did not disclose the suspected drug exposure to authorities at the time.
According to prosecutors, Familia offered first responders an alternative explanation for her daughter’s condition.
As EMS personnel worked to save the child, Familia allegedly said that “the child was drinking milk when she turned blue and perhaps had gotten into a roach trap.” Prosecutors argued that she may have known the girl’s illness was linked to fentanyl.
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State attorneys said body camera footage appeared to show Familia attempting to conceal and destroy a white powder that was allegedly fentanyl.
Prosecutors further said a search warrant carried out at Familia’s home led to the discovery of fentanyl.
Familia pleaded not guilty during Monday’s arraignment, according to the local television station.
Her attorney requested $10,000 bail, arguing that a higher amount would create an undue financial burden for Familia’s family. The judge nevertheless ordered that she be held on $250,000 bail.
Familia is scheduled to return to court Nov. 20.
An attorney representing Familia did not immediately respond to The Post’s request for comment.
