MD Mother Pleads Guilty Over Toddler's Fentanyl Overdose

CURTIS BAY, MD — A 29-year-old woman pleaded guilty Tuesday to child abuse resulting in death and involuntary manslaughter of her toddler.

Brooke Houck, of Curtis Bay, also submitted a guilty plea to charges of neglect of a minor, first- and second-degree child abuse, and reckless endangerment.

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The case dates back to July 21, 2024, when Anne Arundel County Police responded to reports of a child in distress at a home on the 8100 block of Holly Road in Curtis Bay, according to the Office of the State's Attorney.

Houck's one-year-old son, Landon, was found not breathing and pronounced dead after being taken to the hospital. An autopsy conducted by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined the toddler died from a fentanyl overdose.

During the course of the investigation, Houck informed officers that she had a drug relapse, and that Landon may have found a capsule while she and her husband, Nathan Houck, were watching a movie.

"As parents, it is our duty to shield and protect our children, who rely on our care to keep them safe," State's Attorney Anne Colt Leitess said in a statement.

"Not only was Landon living in deplorable conditions, but his mother put her addiction ahead of his well-being by actively purchasing, using, and leaving drugs within his reach. Her selfish actions highlight how addiction not only affects users but also those most vulnerable around them."

Court records show that the Tuesday plea comes nearly a year after Nathan pleaded guilty to child neglect, which saw him sentenced to five years in prison with all but 18 months suspended. He was also ordered to complete a drug treatment program.

Sentencing for the Curtis Bay mother is scheduled for Nov. 20.