On Aug. 25, 2023, 36-year-old Heather Cupano brought her infant daughter to Saint Peter’s University Hospital in New Brunswick and reported that the baby had ingested heroin.
The infant tested positive for fentanyl and was in critical condition.
The prosecutor's office alleges that when the 11-month-old showed signs of heroin intoxication, Cupano administered Narcan but failed to obtain medical treatment for her child for more than 48 hours.
Further investigation found that Cupano also had tried to influence a witness’ statement to authorities, Ciccone said.
After the child died on Sept. 8, Cupano was charged Sept. 9 with aggravated manslaughter, a first-degree crime.
Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone emphasized that Narcan is a temporary remedy for a heroin overdose and medical treatment is still needed because the effects of Narcan are temporary and an overdose death is still a possibility even when the patient seems fine.
