Mom Uses Stimulus Check for Fentanyl—Tragic Mistake Costs Toddler’s Life

A Kentucky mother who used her government-issued stimulus check to buy fentanyl and later lost her toddler to an overdose has lost her appeal, keeping her behind bars.

Lauren Ashley Baker, 33, was convicted of murder after her 2-year-old son ingested fentanyl that she had brought into their home. According to court records, Baker admitted to buying the drug using her pandemic stimulus funds in March 2021. She traveled to Cincinnati, Ohio, to make the purchase and brought it back to her home in Ludlow, Kentucky.

After taking some of the fentanyl, Baker passed out, leaving her purse, where she had stored the drug—open and within her child’s reach. Tragically, the toddler got into the purse, ingested the lethal substance, and became unresponsive. When Baker woke up, she discovered her son unconscious and her purse emptied.

Emergency responders rushed to the scene, but despite efforts to save him, the toddler was pronounced dead at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital.

Baker was arrested and charged with murder, trafficking a controlled substance, and importing fentanyl. She was sentenced to prison, with the possibility of serving up to 50 years.

Appealed the conviction

She later appealed her conviction, arguing that there wasn’t enough evidence to prove she was directly responsible for her son’s death. She also claimed her legal representation had been inadequate. However, the appellate court upheld the original ruling, stating that Baker’s negligence and recklessness led to the tragedy.

This heartbreaking case sheds light on the growing fentanyl crisis in the U.S. The synthetic opioid is up to 100 times more potent than morphine and has contributed to a surge in overdose deaths nationwide. In Kentucky alone, fentanyl-related fatalities make up nearly 80% of drug overdose deaths, according to recent reports.

Communities across the country are working to raise awareness about the dangers of fentanyl, particularly for children. Advocacy groups, including the Bright Light Foundation, founded by a mother who lost her 4-year-old daughter to fentanyl exposure, are pushing for stronger education and prevention measures.

Baker’s case serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers of opioid misuse and the devastating consequences of careless drug storage. With the opioid crisis continuing to claim lives, families and lawmakers are searching for solutions to prevent more tragedies like this one.