San Jose, California – An 18-month-old girl named Winter Rayo from San Jose has tragically passed away due to a fentanyl-related death. The child’s parents, Kelly Gene Richardson and Derek Vaughn Rayo, are now facing murder charges in connection to the incident. The couple resided in a home where Winter was found deceased with a lethal amount of fentanyl in her system.
The case took a new turn as two other individuals, Phil Ortega and Paige Vitale, who also lived at the same home, are now being implicated in Winter’s death. Ortega and Vitale are accused of negligently leaving narcotics accessible in the residence, leading to the tragic discovery of Winter’s lifeless body by first responders.
Following an autopsy, it was revealed that Winter had a shocking 24 times the lethal dose of fentanyl in her blood. This discovery prompted investigators to charge Ortega and Vitale with murder, endangering the health of a child, and illegally selling a controlled substance.
The Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office alleges that Ortega not only used narcotics himself but also supplied drugs to Richardson despite knowing she was engaging in reckless behavior around the child. Text messages exchanged between Ortega and Richardson imply their involvement in buying and leaving drugs in the house, ultimately leading to Winter’s exposure to fentanyl and methamphetamine.
Both Ortega and Vitale are now facing serious charges and are being held without bail. The evidence against Ortega is strengthened by his criminal history, including previous drug convictions and multiple instances of being found in possession of fentanyl and methamphetamine.
The investigation also uncovered photos and videos showing the parents, Richardson and Rayo, smoking narcotics recklessly in the presence of their child. Additionally, the delayed 911 call after Winter’s death and the disturbing scene found by emergency responders further solidified the murder charges against the parents.
The district attorney’s office is pursuing murder charges against all involved parties due to their conscious disregard for human life in the tragic death of Winter Rayo. As the case continues to unfold, authorities are focused on seeking justice for the young victim.