Chesco Couple Convicted After Child Overdoses On Fentanyl: DA

WEST CHESTER, PA — A Chester County couple high on fentanyl, cocaine, and heroin has been convicted in third degree murder in the overdose death of their 8 year-old son, authorities said.

The incident occurred in June 2024.

Mousa Hawa, 43, and Holly Back, 42, of Coatesville, claimed they told their young son to never touch their "medicine," the district attorney's office said.

However, the drugs and drug paraphernalia were found around his body, and a medical examination revealed he died from the combined effects of ingestion of fentanyl, morphine, and cocaine, according to the DA.

The couple had Narcan in the room with the child, but did not take steps to help the child until it was too late, officials said.

“These parents exposed their child to fentanyl and other drugs knowing that it was dangerous and failed to help him when he overdosed," Chester County District Attorney Christopher de Barrena-Sarobe said in a statement. "This case was filled with gut-wrenching evidence, and I want to thank the jury for listening to it all and delivering a just verdict."

Sentencing is forthcoming.

If you have concern about a child, call 911 and make an anonymous report to Childline at 1-800-932-0313.