Cause of Death in Stafford Toddler Case Ruled a Homicide

STAFFORD, CT — The death of a 3-year-old found unresponsive in his home in April was from "acute methadone intoxication," which translates into a homicide, the chief state medical examiner's office said on Wednesday.

The office recently completed a report on the circumstances surrounding the death of Leon Lapierre amid two major investigations into what happened to the child. State police responded to his home at 21 Old Birch Road in Stafford on April 21 and have been investigating ever since.

On Wednesday, state police said the case is being considered "an active investigation."

No charges have been filed, state police said.

State police said their probe into the child's death deals with potential criminal aspects while a separate investigation by the state Office of the Child Advocate deals with the safety aspect.

According to authorities, Methadone has various uses.

It reduces withdrawal symptoms in people addicted to heroin or other narcotic drugs. It is used for pain and as for drug addiction detoxification and maintenance programs, authorities said. It is available through certified pharmacies and the state dispensary, according to authorities.

A spokeswoman for the Child Advocate's office said that case has drawn interest statewide and could spark an intensified campaign on the dangers of exposing powerful drugs to children, particularly when left within their reach.

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