Parents Overdosed at Miami Beach Apartment in Front of 2-Year-Old Daughter: Police

A Miami Beach couple was arrested after both overdosed on drugs in their apartment, leaving their 2-year-old daughter in a dangerous and distressing situation. The incident has raised concerns about child neglect and the safety of the young child, who witnessed the overdose and was left in an unsafe environment.

Overdose Emergency and Rescue Efforts

The alarming event took place early Sunday morning when Miami Beach Fire Rescue was called to a possible overdose at an apartment on Pennsylvania Avenue. The 39-year-old father, Alberto Medel-Fajardo, called 911 to report that his wife, Paola Canales, 29, was unconscious, unresponsive, and barely breathing. First responders arrived to find Canales naked, unconscious, and unresponsive in a bathtub. They administered Narcan, a narcotic overdose reversal drug, but it had minimal effect, so she was rushed to Mount Sinai Hospital for further treatment. Upon investigation, emergency crews also noted the deplorable living conditions inside the apartment, including dirty clothes scattered across the floor, trash, and clutter. In addition, feces were found in the bathtub, further highlighting the neglectful environment in which the couple had been living.

Father’s Overdose and the Child’s Distress

Medel-Fajardo, who was observed to be in an intoxicated state, was holding the couple’s 2-year-old daughter, who was naked, crying, and repeatedly saying in Spanish, “I’m cold.” The child was distressed and in need of care. Medel-Fajardo attempted to put a diaper on her but soon lost consciousness and became lethargic due to the narcotics in his system. As his condition worsened, he collapsed and became unresponsive, prompting authorities to call for fire rescue assistance once again. Medel-Fajardo was also rushed to Mount Sinai Hospital for treatment. During this chaotic scene, the young child was left vulnerable and exposed, with no one to care for her.

Child Neglect Charges and Custody of the 2-Year-Old

After being medically cleared, both parents were arrested and charged with child neglect without great bodily harm. The arrest report highlighted the parents’ gross negligence in consuming drugs to the point of overdose while failing to care for their child, putting her at significant risk of injury or death.

The 2-year-old girl was cared for by police officers and taken to the station, where she was fed, clothed, and eventually placed in the custody of the Department of Children and Families. The authorities emphasized the potential dangers the child could have faced had the situation escalated further. The couple appeared before a judge, who granted them bond but also issued a strict order for them to stay away from their child. This case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of substance abuse and the potential harm it can cause to vulnerable children.

This tragic situation underscores the devastating impact of drug addiction on families. It also highlights the critical need for better oversight and intervention to protect children from neglect and harm. Both Paola Canales and Alberto Medel-Fajardo now face legal consequences for their actions, which could have led to a much worse outcome for their daughter. The case is a reminder of the importance of responsible parenting and the need to address substance abuse issues before they result in irreversible damage.