Uncle Charged in Overdose Death of 2-Year-Old Nephew

A 35-year-old man is under arrest, charged with manslaughter and homicide after police say that he left methadone in a place his two-year-old nephew could - and did - get to it. The toddler died of an overdose.

Portland Police say they were called to a hospital last week after two-year-old Reginald Harris died. Detectives determined the child died of a lethal dose of methadone.

The investigation led to Harris' uncle, 35-year-old Willie Lee Harris.

Detectives do not believe Harris intentionally gave methadone to the toddler. They believe that he left the methadone in a place the child could get to it.

Harris is charged with manslaughter, negligent homicide, criminal mistreatment, and heroin possession.

"This case is a tragic reminder to keep all prescription drugs in a safe place where children do not have access to them," police spokesman Sergeant Pete Simpson said.

Photo courtesy Portland Police