Ocala Baby Dies Of Fentanyl Overdose; Mom Charged In Killing

OCALA, FL — A 9-month-old baby has died of a fentanyl overdose, and the baby's mother has been arrested in connection with the infant's death, Ocala Police said Monday.

Officers responded on Oct. 12, 2023 to Advent Health, where the unresponsive child was later pronounced dead, police said. A cause of death was unclear at the time.

Detectives tried to interview the child's mother, 33-year-old Kacy Kincaid, but police said "she appeared to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol and could not keep a conversation." Kincaid was accused of being in possession of 5 grams of fentanyl.

A search warrant for a sample of Kincaid's blood was executed, and she was arrested on suspicion of felony trafficking, police said.

A report from the Medical Examiner's Office later indicated the child died of fentanyl, methamphetamine and xylazine toxicity, police said. Kincaid's blood sample also contained fentanyl and other substances, police said.

Furthermore, police said the fentanyl Kincaid was accused of having was tested and showed the same xylazine compound found in her baby's blood during the autopsy.

Police said Kincaid was arrested Wednesday and was charged on suspicion of aggravated manslaughter of a child in connection with her baby's death.

"Drug addiction is a serious issue that can have devastating consequences. It’s unfortunate that an innocent child lost their life due to fentanyl. We urge everyone to stay away from drugs and seek help if they are struggling with addiction. Our drug amnesty program provides a safe and confidential way to dispose of drugs and get the help you need. Please reach out to us if you need assistance," police said in a statement.