RIVIERA BEACH, FL – A mother from Florida has been charged with aggravated manslaughter following the tragic death of her 5-year-old son, who ingested methamphetamine concealed within an apple juice bottle.
The Riviera Police Department responded to an emergency call around 5:30 p.m. on March 23 about a child not breathing at an apartment on Beach Court. The boy, whose name has not been publicly released, was transported to a nearby hospital, where he later succumbed to the substance’s effects.
Court documents reveal that the boy was under the supervision of a babysitter when he unexpectedly drank from what was thought to be an apple juice bottle. The babysitter reported that the child immediately spat out the beverage, saying it had an odd taste. Shortly after, the boy displayed alarming symptoms, such as shivering, shaking, and blue lips, prompting the sitter to initiate CPR and alert the child’s mother, Heather Opsincs.
Opsincs stated to investigators that she was cleaning her ice cooler behind the apartment when informed of her son’s critical state. According to police, she arrived to find her son displaying seizure-like symptoms with a diminishing pulse.
Despite Opsincs’ claims of innocence regarding drug use, officials reported she tested positive for methamphetamine twice. Her son also yielded positive results for the same substance, as noted in the affidavit.
Authorities searching the home described the environment as extremely unsanitary, with decaying food and various debris scattered throughout. Law enforcement also discovered six glass pipes that tested positive for meth residue.
Opsincs explained to authorities that her son, identified as being on the autism spectrum, required specialized care. Investigations uncovered a past incident where she contacted poison control after the boy licked bleach.
A judge addressed the severity of the case during a recent pretrial hearing, deeming it particularly grievous. Opsincs remains in custody at the Palm Beach County Jail with a set bond of $100,000, pending her next court appearance on April 22.
The tragedy has raised significant concerns about the boy’s living conditions and care, underscoring the importance of protecting vulnerable children from hazardous environments and ensuring they receive appropriate support and supervision.