Julia was a happy young baby that would light up every room she entered. Julia loved dogs, mashed potatoes and family. She will be missed tremendously. Rest in peace our little angel.
New Jersey Public Records Act Request
Chief State Medical Examiner
Date of Death: 08/20/2023
Victim Age: 1 year
Cause of Death: Acute Intoxication due to Fentanyl and Xylazine
Manner of Death: Accident
In 2024, three individuals were sentenced to prison for their roles in the drug exposure death of 18-month-old
Julia Everlynn Gilbert.
The defendants and their respective sentences are as follows:
- Julie Taylor (49), Grandmother: Sentenced on August 2, 2024, to 15 years in state prison for first-degree aggravated manslaughter. She was identified by prosecutors as the most culpable party and must serve 85% of her term before being eligible for parole. Current Max Release Date is May 20,2036
Reports from September 2024 mention her attorney indicating that she "will never forgive herself" and "vowed to live a life clean and sober". During sentencing, the prosecutor stated that Taylor "loved her drugs more than she loved her grandchild".
- Stephen Dagis (53), Taylor’s Boyfriend: Sentenced on August 2, 2024, to 12 years in prison for first-degree aggravated manslaughter. He is also required to serve 85% of his sentence before parole eligibility. Current Max Release Date is November 1, 2033
- Sarah Vanderbilt (36), Friend/Housemate: Sentenced on September 9, 2024, to 6 years in prison after pleading guilty to second-degree reckless manslaughter. Current Max Release Date is May 16, 2029
In issuing the sentence, the judge noted that Vanderbilt had safely removed her own child from the home to protect him but allowed the 17-month-old to remain in the dangerous environment. Despite being aware of the child's distressed breathing, Vanderbilt failed to contact police or emergency services.
