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New Mexico Grandmother Sentenced for 12-Year-Old Grandson’s Fentanyl Overdose Death

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A Carlsbad woman, Kelli Smith, has been sentenced to nearly 20 years in prison for her role in the death of her 12-year-old grandson, Brent Sullivan, who died from a fentanyl overdose. Smith is the second person to be imprisoned in connection with the 2021 tragedy.

Smith was arrested after Sullivan was found unresponsive in the family’s shed, where he died from a fentanyl overdose. The case was prosecuted by the 5th Judicial District Attorney Dianna Luce, who expressed satisfaction with the outcome. “This is justice. Finally justice for Brent,” Luce said after the judge handed down Smith’s 18-year prison sentence.

Smith’s daughter and Brent’s mother, Alexis Smith, was also arrested and convicted. According to Luce, police officers immediately recognized the overdose scene when they found Brent with drug paraphernalia. Although Narcan was available, there was a delay in calling 911, which proved fatal.

During the sentencing, text messages and jail calls were presented as evidence, showing that Smith admitted to having drugs in the home. In some of the calls, Smith even talked about moving a stash of drugs and relocating Brent’s body before police arrived. A detective who attempted CPR on Brent testified at the hearing, becoming emotional while recounting the efforts to save the boy’s life.

Luce acknowledged the emotional toll the case has taken on law enforcement, especially those who were first on the scene. She expressed hope that the case would highlight the need for more addiction treatment and support for law enforcement to combat drug-related crimes. “We need more resources for people struggling with addiction and to help law enforcement remove these drugs from our streets,” Luce stated.

Though Kelli Smith remained silent during her sentencing, she submitted a statement claiming her innocence and plans to appeal the conviction. Alexis Smith, who was found guilty on two counts of child abuse, received a 14-year prison sentence and is also appealing her conviction.

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