Peabody Mother Charged In 2-Year-Old Daughter's Death

PEABODY, MA — A Peabody mother who was living in a car with her 2-year-old daughter was charged in connection to the toddler's death Friday after the Essex County District Attorney's Office said the child, named Lily Iorio, was exposed to illegal drugs inside the vehicle.

Essex County DA Paul Tucker's office said that Vanessa Jeising, 28, was charged with permitting substantial injuries to a child and reckless endangerment of a child — both felonies. She was held without bail.

Assistant District Attorney Kate MacDougall told the court on Friday that Jeising contacted a friend in the early morning hours of Jan. 18 after finding Lily unresponsive in the car.

MacDougall said the friend encouraged Jeising to take Lily to the hospital and alerted Peabody police to their arrival at Lahey Medical Center. Police escorted Jesising into the emergency room where resuscitation efforts were not successful.

Police said evidence of illegal drugs was later found during a search of the vehicle.

Jeising was arrested on Friday. She is due back in court for a dangerous hearing on Feb. 3.