KENNEWICK, Wash.-Kennewick Police are investigating the death of a 4-year-old at the Econo Lodge on N. Ely St. on Wednesday, Dec. 27.
According to the KPD, police and emergency personnel responded around 9:38 p.m. and performed first aid on the child before they were transported to the hospital, where they later died.
According to court documents a person is being held on a 72 hour hold waiting to either be charged or released, according to the Benton County Prosecutor’s Office.
Judy Bribiescas had her first court appearance in Benton County.
Benton County Superior Court Commissioner Megan Whitmire addressed Bribiescas over video conference. Bribiescas was informed that she would have a no contact order for her other child and cannot be within 1000 feet of the child.
The 72 hour hold is set to expire on January 3 at 6:15 am.
Commissioner Whitmire told Bribiescas what is next for her.
“Your next court date is January 3 2024,” Commissioner Whitmire said. “The purpose of that hearing is for your arraignment and you should also be notified the name of your council.”
Bribiescas told the Commissioner she requested a lawyer from the office of public defense.
She is being held on a $200,000 bail.
In the court documents the child was unresponsive due to fentanyl exposure. The documents go on to say KPD arrived at the scene and gave the child Narcan, which was ineffective.
Officers say they started life saving measures.
The child was taken to Trios Hospital Emergency Room the documents said.
The doctors found two pills and multiple pill fragments in the child’s body. They go on to say a pill was collected as evidence and resembled a fentanyl laced pill commonly referred to as “Skittles Fentanyl”.
According to the documents, Officers talked with the child’s mother who said the child was acting normally.
The documents say the mother told officers she went to the restroom for about 20 minutes and when she got out she found the child unresponsive and called 911.
Those court docs say the mother admitted to officers she used fentanyl but, said she doesn’t use it around her children.
Documents say while talking to KPD, an officer noticed the mother trying to get rid of something. They say he then noticed four different colored pills on the ground.
He claimed they had not been there before.
Documents go on to say KPD got a search warrant for the room at the hotel and say while searching the room, officers found multiple pills suspected to be fentanyl.
They say they then took the woman into custody.
The incident is currently being investigated as manslaughter, according to a KPD press release on the death, and the investigation is ongoing. The child’s next-of-kin has been notified.
KPD Sergeant Mike Rosane says there will be no new information released at this time. The investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with any information on the case is asked to contact KPD non-emergency dispatch at 509-628-0333. Tips can also be submitted online anonymously.
