BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — Coroner’s officials on Thursday confirmed a 2-year-old boy who died in June died from a fentanyl overdose.
Ezekiel Rivera was pronounced dead the night of June 5 at his father’s home on Sentido Drive, officials said.
The father, Raul Rivera, 24, was charged this week with first-degree murder in Ezekiel’s death, and with child cruelty in connection with a 3-year-old who was in the home at the time, prosecutors said. He’s due in court Friday.
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According to a probable cause declaration, Rivera waited hours to call for medical aid after the boy was discovered unresponsive. Rivera tested positive for fentanyl and told deputies he had used the drug that day.
An unidentified residue was discovered on low standing furniture in the home. Rivera told investigators he snorted fentanyl in that spot.
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