Mother Charged With Murder After Child Eats THC Gummies And Dies: Cops

SPOTSYLVANIA COUNTY, VA — A 4-year-old boy died in Spotsylvania in May after he ingested a large amount of THC gummies, according to the Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Office. This week, a grand jury indicted the boy's mother.

Dorothy Annette Clements, 30, is charged with one count of second-degree murder and one count of felony child neglect. She was arrested on Thursday and is being held without bond at the Rappahannock Regional Jail.

Her next court date is scheduled for Friday.

If convicted of both charges, Clements could face up to 50 years in prison, based on Virginia's sentencing guidelines.

Police have not identified Clements's deceased 4-year-old son by name.

On May 6, 2022, the boy suffered a medical emergency at a home in the 5400 block of Jamie Court in Spotsylvania County, according to the sheriff's office. He died two days later.

While investigating the boy's death, they found high amounts of THC in his toxicity report. Detectives believe that the boy consumed "a large amount" of THC gummies, according to the police report.

Tetrahydrocannabinol, commonly known as THC, is the main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis. THC gummies are legal in Virginia for people 21 or older. Many people recreationally use THC products to reduce anxiety, improve sleep quality, or reduce pain.

A doctor told detectives that if the boy had received medical attention shortly after consuming the THC, his death could have been prevented. Detectives noted that Clements's statement did not match evidence that was found at the home.

The Virginia Poison Center operates a hotline at 800-222-1222. Registered nurses work the hotline and can provide information about what to do in a poison emergency.