A Boston mother accused of misleading first responders as her four-year-old daughter died from acute fentanyl poisoning was arraigned in court on Monday.
Dayanna Familia, 35, pleaded not guilty to charges including manslaughter during her arraignment in Dorchester, following her arrest by police on Saturday. The charges stem from the tragic events of Aug. 17, when Boston police officers responded to an emergency call at a residence in the 200 block of Fuller Street just before 9 p.m.
First responders attempted life-saving measures at the scene before rushing the little girl, identified as Liyanna, to a local hospital, where she was pronounced dead. During Monday’s court proceedings, prosecutors disclosed that the child died after unknowingly ingesting fentanyl.
According to state attorneys, Familia allegedly attempted to conceal the true nature of the medical emergency while paramedics were actively trying to save the child’s life. Prosecutors stated that Familia told emergency medical services that the four-year-old had been drinking milk when she suddenly turned blue, and suggested the girl might have gotten into a roach trap, despite allegedly knowing that the illness was caused by the lethal opioid.
Furthermore, body camera footage captured during the emergency response showed Familia allegedly attempting to conceal and destroy a white powder suspected of being fentanyl. Investigators later executed a search warrant at the residence, which successfully recovered additional quantities of the drug.
During the arraignment, defense counsel requested a bail set at $10,000, arguing that a higher amount would impose an undue financial burden on Familia’s family. However, the presiding judge rejected the request and ordered Familia held on a $250,000 bail.
Familia is scheduled to return to court for her next appearance on Nov. 20. An attorney representing Familia did not immediately respond to requests for comment following the court session.
