In a shocking case of child endangerment, a 2-year-old girl from Tucson, Arizona, tested positive for fentanyl and methamphetamine on Tuesday, leading to the arrest of her mother, Christina Culp. The child was found gasping for air with blue lips outside their home while Culp was allegedly napping.
First responders rushed to the scene and administered Narcan, a medication used to reverse the effects of opioid overdose, to the toddler in the ambulance. A second dose was given at the hospital, where Culp was subsequently arrested.
According to a court document, Culp admitted to smoking both fentanyl and methamphetamines earlier that morning while her children, aged 2 and 5, and their father were asleep inside the residence. She claimed to store the drugs in a tool box outside and in her purse next to her makeup. The 2-year-old was discovered with makeup on her face, indicating she may have been exposed to the substances while playing with her mother’s cosmetics.
Local business owner Jeff Mattson expressed his disgust at the situation, while an anonymous neighbor called for increased responsibility among drug users and urged action to combat the devastating effects of drugs on communities.
Culp faces two charges of child abuse and is being held at the Pima County Jail on a $75,000 bond. Her children have been taken into state custody.
This case follows a similar incident in New York last month, where parents Jimmie Luvert, 41, and Lisa Keitt, 26, were arrested and charged in connection with the fentanyl-related death of their 16-month-old child.
