An Ohio grandmother and her daughter have been charged following the tragic death of a 9-month-old girl who ingested a lethal dose of fentanyl. The charges, which include involuntary manslaughter and obstructing justice, stem from the February death of Makayla Huff, the granddaughter of Taletha Kropp, 43, and the daughter of Leeonna Cherry, 20.
Details of the Tragic Incident
On February 19, 2026, at around 4:15 p.m., 9-month-old Makayla Huff was found unresponsive at the home of her grandmother, Taletha Kropp, in Toledo. The baby was immediately transported to a local hospital but was pronounced dead just before 5 p.m. after going into respiratory distress.
The Lucas County Coroner’s Office later confirmed that a lethal dose of fentanyl was found in Huff’s blood and stomach, and her cause of death was determined to be acute fentanyl toxicity. The manner of death was ruled a homicide.
The autopsy report revealed that Huff “would have died in seconds after ingesting the fentanyl,” according to WTOL. Investigators believe the infant accidentally ingested the drug while under Kropp’s care. According to witnesses, Cherry was aware of her mother’s daily drug use, which included heroin laced with fentanyl.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Taletha Kropp was arrested and charged with involuntary manslaughter and endangering children. Leeonna Cherry, the baby’s mother, was charged with obstructing justice. The charges stem from the tragic overdose death and the failure of both women to prevent the baby from coming into contact with the dangerous drug.
Kropp appeared in court on Friday, April 24, where her bond was set at $1 million. Cherry was released on bond the same day. Both are scheduled to appear in court again on April 30 for further proceedings.
The Role of Fentanyl in the Tragedy
The case underscores the deadly risks of fentanyl exposure, especially for young children. Lieutenant Steve Rogers of the Lucas County Sheriff’s Office Drug Abuse Response Team (DART) spoke to the media, emphasizing the importance of keeping all drugs, including prescription medications and illicit substances like fentanyl, securely stored away from children.
He urged parents and caregivers to take extra precautions to prevent accidental ingestion, which can be fatal.
Cases like this one, where an infant dies from ingesting fentanyl, are rare but devastating. Rogers stressed the importance of raising awareness about the dangers of drug exposure in homes with children.
Community and Family Impact
This devastating loss has left the family and community reeling. The tragic death of an infant serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of substance abuse and the responsibility of parents and caregivers to keep children safe from harm.
Both Kropp and Cherry will face serious legal consequences as their case progresses. While the charges against them are serious, the focus remains on the preventable nature of the tragedy and the steps that can be taken to ensure that other families do not experience similar heartbreak.
Resources for Those Struggling with Substance Abuse
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, resources are available to provide help. The SAMHSA helpline can be reached at 1-800-662-HELP (4357), offering confidential support for those seeking assistance.
For those concerned about child abuse or neglect, the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline is available at 1-800-4-A-Child (1-800-422-4453), or visit www.childhelp.org. All calls are confidential and available 24/7 in over 170 languages.
Table: Key Details of the Case
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Victim | Makayla Huff (9 months old) |
| Location | Toledo, Ohio |
| Date of Incident | February 19, 2026 |
| Cause of Death | Acute fentanyl toxicity (ingested fentanyl) |
| Charges Against Taletha Kropp | Involuntary manslaughter, endangering children |
| Charges Against Leeonna Cherry | Obstructing justice |
| Legal Status | Kropp: $1 million bond; Cherry: Released on bond |
| Next Court Appearance | April 30, 2026 |
| Important Notes | Witnesses confirmed Cherry knew of her mother’s daily drug use |
