 said she used to glance at the sign in the daycare's window, taking note of another childcare facility in a neighbourhood where parents sometimes have to step around drug users passed out in the streets on their way to drop their kids off. But last week, Rosa and others in the community were shocked to learn that Divino Niño daycare itself had become a crime scene. On 15 September, a one-year-old boy died of a suspected drug overdose at Divino Niño nursery after officials said fentanyl was hidden in the nap room under a mat the children used for napping. Three other young children were admitted to hospital, and the nursery's owner, Grei Mendez, 36, and her tenant, Carlisto Acevedo Brito, 41, are charged with narcotics possession with intent to distribute resulting in death. Image source, Getty Images Image caption, A cross hangs on the door of the Bronx child care centre "Never in a million years did I think that was happening there," Rosa said. "I was horrified." Rosa has asked that her identity remain private for fear of repercussions. She is one of several residents who told the BBC the incident has rocked the Bronx community and raised broader concerns about the neighbourhood's battle with the opioid epidemic. "The incident is atrocious and so tragic," said New York City Council Member Eric Dinowitz, whose district covers the daycare's neighbourhood. "It speaks to obviously the need for justice for this poor family who lost their sweet young child and the other families who almost lost their children." Image source, Getty Images Image caption, A small memorial has formed outside the building Divino Niño nursery is located in Kingsbridge Heights, a predominately Hispa){kind=link}
Rosa passes Divino Niño Daycare every day on her way to work at her own childcare centre in the northern New York City borough of the Bronx.
Rosa (not her real name) said she used to glance at the sign in the daycare’s window, taking note of another childcare facility in a neighbourhood where parents sometimes have to step around drug users passed out in the streets on their way to drop off their children.
But last week, Rosa and others in the community were shocked to learn that Divino Niño daycare itself had become a crime scene.
On 15 September, a one-year-old boy died of a suspected drug overdose at Divino Niño nursery after officials said fentanyl was hidden under a mat the children used for napping.
Three other young children were admitted to hospital, and the nursery’s owner, Grei Mendez, 36, and her tenant, Carlisto Acevedo Brito, 41, are charged with narcotics possession with intent to distribute resulting in death.