An Arizona woman has been sentenced to over 11 years in prison for the fentanyl overdose death of her toddler. Ashley Denise Attson, 38, had pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the death of her 17-month-old daughter, who was given a lethal dose of the powerful opioid.
The incident occurred in September 2016 when Attson placed a lethal amount of fentanyl in a sippy cup, which her daughter ingested. Attson then left the child’s body in the desert on the Navajo Reservation, where it was found by authorities.
At the sentencing hearing, Attson expressed remorse for her actions, stating that she was under the influence of drugs and alcohol at the time of the incident. She also acknowledged that she had been struggling with substance abuse issues for years.
The judge in the case, U.S. District Judge David C. Campbell, called the crime “unspeakable” and noted that Attson’s actions were not only a betrayal of her daughter but also a betrayal of the Navajo Nation, which places a high value on the sanctity of life.
The case has sparked outrage and renewed calls for action to address the opioid crisis in Arizona and across the country. Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine, has been responsible for a growing number of overdose deaths in recent years.
Attson’s sentencing serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of drug addiction and the importance of seeking help and support for those struggling with substance abuse issues. The tragic loss of a young life has left a community in mourning and has prompted a renewed focus on preventing similar tragedies in the future.
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