Apache Junction, Arizona — Lieutenant Thomas Parker’s heart aches as he reflects on what might have been for Damien Coats, a child whose life was tragically cut short. “This year, he would have been 5 years old, starting kindergarten, probably playing at the playground,” Parker shared, his voice tinged with sorrow.
Damien’s young life ended in January 2023 due to complications linked to fentanyl intoxication. Medical examiners confirmed that the child ingested a dangerous, illicit version of the opioid. Parker, who oversees the criminal investigation into the boy’s death, believes that the loss of Damien should be treated as a crime. However, despite a year-long investigation, no arrests have been made.
In a parallel investigation, state child safety officials found that Damien’s mother and grandmother demonstrated neglect that contributed to his untimely passing. The report highlighted that his mother allowed him to live with active drug users, while his grandmother failed to seek necessary medical care when the child needed it most.
Prosecutors in Maricopa County ultimately opted not to file charges, citing insufficient evidence to warrant a conviction. “It’s heartbreaking for everyone involved,” Parker remarked. The challenges of proving how a child accessed drugs and determining accountability often complicate such cases, both locally and nationally.
A recent investigation revealed troubling statistics regarding similar cases across the U.S. Over a two-year period, nearly 450 incidents of fentanyl poisonings among young children were documented, showing at least 43 cases where no legal action has been taken, even after a year has passed since the child’s death. This lack of prosecution persists for various reasons, including difficulties in establishing how the child came into contact with the drug and identifying the responsible parties.
Prosecutors in other states also face similar hurdles. In Jacksonville, Florida, the investigation into the death of Mac Johnston, who was only 1 year old when he died in 2019, remains open more than six years later. Likewise, Aurora, Colorado authorities are urging potential witnesses in the case of 1-year-old Bryce Wilhite Jr. to come forward with any information, no matter how trivial it might seem.
The frustrations of families and communities affected by these tragedies are palpable. In Palm Beach County, an anonymous email sent to law enforcement questioned why a toddler’s death in 2020 remained unsolved, ultimately reflecting a growing sentiment that “justice isn’t being served.”
Maricopa County has grappling with multiple unsolved child mortality cases linked to fentanyl. The Office of the County Attorney has reported difficulty in moving forward with prosecutions due to the complexities inherent in these cases, which often require multiple layers of evidence. “These cases are tough, and it can take significant time to gather adequate proof for a conviction,” noted spokesperson Karla Navarrete-Contreras.
While some prosecuted cases have yielded convictions in the region, others linger without resolution. For instance, police are still investigating the death of 23-month-old Emoni Bridges, which highlights the prolonged uncertainty surrounding these sensitive issues. Officers express their commitment to thorough investigations, emphasizing a community-driven approach to finding justice for victims like Damien Coats.
As the Apache Junction Police Department continues to seek justice for Damien, Parker urges anyone with information to step forward. “Every detail counts,” he emphasized, hopeful that the community will rally to provide the answers necessary to bring closure to this heart-wrenching case.