ESPANOLA, N.M. — An Espanola woman has been charged in the death of her 15-month-old baby, New Mexico State Police said. Police said officers were called to Espanola Presbyterian Hospital on April 1 to treat an unconscious 15-month-old baby. Police said upon arrival, they learned the child had been exposed to fentanyl, and the mother, 26-year-old Ariana Vigil, claimed the illegal drug was burnt tinfoil.
Police said they learned that Vigil had placed the child on the floor, where he had been exposed to fentanyl, while she was cleaning the bed.
Virgil told agents that she then rinsed her mouth and thought the child had placed the drugs in her mouth. Virgil further stated that she observed the child for 10 minutes before the child became unresponsive.
The child was taken to a hospital where she was later pronounced dead. The department said that during the investigation, Virgil admitted that she had smoked fentanyl and left the burnt aluminum foil on the bedroom floor.
Agents obtained a search warrant for the residence and located the drugs. Virgil has been charged with one count of child abuse resulting in death and one count of possession of a controlled substance. Shooting Today has learned that she is under house arrest and is scheduled to appear in court again on Thursday.