NEWPORT NEWS, VIRGINIA – A 27-year-old woman from Newport News was recently convicted of felony homicide in connection to the accidental fentanyl overdose death of a 3-year-old girl who was in her care at her home two years ago.
Contessa Holloman, a close friend of the toddler’s mother, had invited Ava Hudson to her apartment in northern Newport News for an overnight playdate with her own daughter. Tragically, just hours after Ava arrived, she became unresponsive after ingesting a deadly combination of drugs in the early morning hours of the following day. Holloman rushed Ava to her mother’s home, where the child was later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.
During a search of Holloman’s apartment, authorities discovered a plastic baggie containing a mixture of heroin, fentanyl, and tramadol. The State Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed that Ava’s cause of death was the result of ingesting these substances, with fentanyl levels reaching a fatal range for adults.
Following a one-day trial, Circuit Court Judge Matthew W. Hoffman found Holloman guilty of felony homicide, two counts of felony child neglect, and drug possession. Felony homicide is a form of second-degree murder punishable by up to 40 years in prison, specifically in cases where someone is accidentally killed during the commission of another felony. Holloman now faces a maximum sentence of 65 years in prison when she returns to court for sentencing on July 26th.
This heartbreaking case shed light on the tragic consequences of drug use and neglect, as another child in the area lost their life to a similar incident. The community mourns the loss of Ava Hudson, a vibrant and beloved little girl known for her love of learning and exploring nature. Family and friends remember her as a joyful child who brought light and laughter wherever she went.
While character witnesses spoke out in support of Holloman during a bond hearing, highlighting her caring nature and willingness to help others, the court found her responsible for the death of young Ava. The conviction serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and responsibility in caring for children, and the devastating impact of negligence in cases involving dangerous substances.
As the Newport News community continues to grapple with this tragedy, the memory of Ava Hudson lives on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her, a bright young soul lost too soon.