Fentanyl drug overdose: Rancho Cucamonga, CA mom Marcy Castro demands justice after 10-year-old son dies from fentanyl exposure
Share this @internewscast.com

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif. — A Southern California woman is fighting for justice after her 10-year-old son Nathanial died from exposure to fentanyl.

Marcy Castro not only believes that the individual responsible should face murder charges, but she is also pushing for more severe penalties for those involved.

“I am seeking justice for my son, and I am determined to keep fighting for it because he deserves it,” she expressed in an interview with ABC7 Eyewitness News in Los Angeles.

The incident occurred on December 12, 2024, at their residence in Rancho Cucamonga. Castro received a call from a relative informing her that Nathanial had stopped breathing.

“I couldn’t even comprehend what he was saying,” she said. “I could hear 911 in the background, and he says to the paramedics what do I tell her, and they say he was pronounced dead.”

At first, Castro said they didn’t know what caused her son’s death. But weeks later she received a phone call from the coroner’s office informing her that Nathanial’s death was caused by fentanyl.

“We were just shocked as to how this could have happened, and how this was exposed to my son,” said Castro. “We’re a drug-free home.”

Or so they thought.

After detectives with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department investigated the case, they arrested Castro’s brother’s girlfriend, Christina Alvarez, who was living at the home. Castro said Alvarez was the one who prepared Nathanial’s dinner the night before his death.

“She gave him shrimp that night for dinner, so we believe it was something he ingested, maybe she touched something,” Castro said. “Detectives came down and said they were arresting her. The district attorney wanted to press charges because of the severity of the case, and then they found more fentanyl on her.”

Alvarez was charged with felony child endangerment and is awaiting a mental disorder diversion hearing later this month.

“She should be charged with murder,” said Castro. “My son was murdered because of her reckless actions.”

Castro said she’s started a campaign called Nathanial’s Light, has gathered more than 1,200 signatures, and is in the process of contacting lawmakers to demand action.

“(Nathanial) didn’t go out looking for the drug; he didn’t go out looking for a high, he was just an innocent boy in his home,” she said. “I want justice for my son, and I won’t stop until he gets it.”

Copyright © 2025 KABC Television, LLC. All rights reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Photos of Eitan Levi, Uriel Baruch, and Tamir Nimrodi over photo of Israeli flag

IDF Discovers Anomalies: Hamas Returns Unidentified Body, Sparking Mystery Among Hostage Families

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Tuesday that one of the…
'Filipino Towns' around the US preserve history and raise community's visibility

Filipino American Communities Across the US Preserve Heritage and Elevate Cultural Awareness

Four centuries ago, Filipinos first set foot on North American soil. Today,…
Why do people wear inflatable costumes to 'No Kings' protests?

Unpacking the Inflatable Costume Phenomenon: Why Protesters Choose Air-Filled Attire at ‘No Kings’ Demonstrations

The strategy first emerged in Portland, Oregon, amid protests against U.S. Immigration…
How university indoctrination turned deadly, and why one scholar says it’s only getting worse

Deadly Consequences: Scholar Warns of Escalating University Indoctrination Crisis

The tragic death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk and a violent school…
City of Harvey seeks approval from Illinois to be declared 'financially distressed' city, officials speak out, questions raised

Harvey’s Financial Crisis: Illinois City Seeks ‘Distressed’ Status Amid Growing Concerns

In an unexpected twist of events, the City of Harvey, Illinois, is…
Simone Biles in Chicago: Olympic gymnast speaks with children in foster care system at Friends of the Children event in West Loop

Simone Biles Inspires Chicago’s Foster Youth: Olympic Legend Engages with Future Stars at Friends of the Children Event

In the Windy City, Olympic champion Simone Biles has become a familiar…
Jury awards $19M to bystanders wounded by Denver cop in 2022 shooting

Denver Shooting: Jury Grants $19M to Injured Bystanders

Six bystanders who were injured during a police shooting in Denver in…
Trump immigration crackdown may eliminate 15M workers by 2035: Study

Study Projects Potential Loss of 15 Million Workers by 2035 Under Trump Immigration Policies

According to a newly released study, President Trump’s immigration policies are projected…
GOP, Dems spar over shutdown, violence, ICE arrests in town hall

Fiery Town Hall Showdown: GOP and Democrats Clash Over Government Shutdown, Rising Violence, and ICE Arrests

During a riveting two-hour town hall on Wednesday night, NewsNation’s Chris Cuomo…
78-year-old man missing in Oregon may have fallen in hole; police ask for help

Urgent Search: Oregon Police Seek Public’s Help to Find Missing 78-Year-Old Man Feared Fallen in Hole

In a bid to locate a missing elderly resident, Oregon authorities are…
M.C.I. Foods recalls 91,585 pounds of burritos for Listeria risk

Urgent Recall: M.C.I. Foods Pulls 91,585 Pounds of Burritos Due to Listeria Contamination Risk

The recall affects three distinct brands: El Mas Fino, Los Cabos, and…
Ashton Kutcher says his looks hurt his acting career

Ashton Kutcher Reveals How His Appearance Impacted His Acting Journey

Ashton Kutcher has confessed that his striking appearance may have sometimes been…