Infant Death Case in Penacook Leads to Drug Dealing, Other Charges

CONCORD, NH — A call for service and investigation into an unconscious infant who later passed away led to an alleged drug dealing operation on Penacook Street in Penacook, according to police. Arrested on Aug. 4, 2016, were Kayla Austin, 20, and Bradford N. Ross, 24, both with a last known address of Penacook Street in Penacook, both for felony possession of controlled/narcotic drugs with intent to distribute, two counts of possession of controlled drugs, and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child/incompetent, also felonies.

Editor’s note: This post was derived from information supplied by the Concord Police Department. It does not indicate a conviction. This link explains the name removal request process for NH Patch police reports.

According to police, Concord Fire and Rescue teams were called to the home along with police to investigate an unconscious infant that was located in a small camper at around 11:45 a.m. on Aug. 1. Investigators learned that the infant and a 2-year-old were living in the camper with their parents. The baby was taken to Concord Hospital where he was pronounced dead; the 2-year-old was found in good health, according to police.

While at the scene, investigators “observed items that they suspected were implements of drugs use” and obtained a search warrant for the camper. On Aug. 2, the search warrant was executed and detectives allegedly found multiple packages of methamphetamine, prepped for sale.

“The detectives estimated that the total quantity of methamphetamine was approximately 25 grams,” according to Lt. Timothy O’Malley, the commander of the criminal investigations unit. “Detectives also found receipts and ledgers suggesting that the drugs in question were meant for sale.”

Arrest warrants were requested for both Austin and Ross, and they were picked up at 9 a.m. on Aug. 4, at the Holiday Inn on North Main Street. They were held on $50,000 cash bail and will be arraigned this morning.

“The investigation into the death of the infant child is still ongoing. An autopsy has been conducted by the New Hampshire Medical Examiner’s Office,” O’Malley noted. “The results of this autopsy are not yet available however there are no initial signs of foul play.”