A Florida father and his former girlfriend have been arrested after authorities say a 2-year-old girl ingested several kratom pills, suffered a seizure, and was put to bed instead of being taken to a hospital. The child was found unresponsive the following morning and later pronounced dead.
Jerome Jordan, 35, and Charlene O’Connell, 32, have each been charged with aggravated manslaughter of a child and child neglect causing great bodily harm in connection with the death of 2-year-old Jonnie Jordan, according to the West Melbourne Police Department.
Child Taken to Hospital Unresponsive
Police said the investigation began on May 18, when Jerome Jordan and his sister brought Jonnie to a local hospital after finding her unresponsive.
Despite emergency efforts, doctors pronounced the toddler dead shortly after she arrived.
Hospital staff reportedly became suspicious after Jordan repeatedly asked medical personnel to administer Narcan, a medication commonly used to reverse opioid overdoses. Investigators said those requests led medical staff to believe the child may have died from a drug overdose.
Investigation Revealed Child Ingested Kratom Pills
According to investigators, Jonnie had been at Charlene O’Connell’s home the evening before her death.
O’Connell is the mother of Jordan’s two other children.
Police allege that while inside the home, Jonnie gained access to and swallowed at least two and a half kratom pills belonging to Jordan and O’Connell.
Investigators said both adults were aware that the child had ingested the pills.
Police Say Both Adults Witnessed Medical Emergency
According to the arrest affidavit, Jordan and O’Connell allegedly watched the toddler’s condition rapidly deteriorate.
Police said the child:
- Developed blue lips
- Suffered a seizure
- Began breathing abnormally
Despite witnessing those serious symptoms, investigators allege that neither adult called 911 nor sought emergency medical treatment.
Father Allegedly Put Child to Bed
Instead of taking the toddler to a hospital, police said Jordan took Jonnie to his sister’s home.
According to investigators, he placed the child in bed and then went to sleep himself.
When he woke up the following morning, Jonnie was unresponsive.
Authorities said Jordan then transported the child’s body to the hospital, where doctors confirmed she had died.
Autopsy Determined Cause of Death
An autopsy concluded that Jonnie died from acute mitragynine intoxication.
Mitragynine is the primary active compound found in kratom, a plant-derived substance sold in many states as an over-the-counter product.
According to the Mayo Clinic, kratom is commonly marketed as an energy booster, mood enhancer, and pain reliever.
Health experts have warned that kratom products can be especially dangerous for young children, particularly when sold in forms that resemble candy or gummies or when they contain 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), a more potent compound associated with increased health risks.
Both Suspects Arrested
Police arrested Jordan and O’Connell on Wednesday.
Both defendants are being held in the Brevard County Jail without bond.
Court records did not immediately list their next scheduled court appearance.
The charges against both defendants are allegations, and they are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Family Remembers Jonnie
In her obituary, Jonnie Jordan was remembered as a joyful and affectionate little girl who brought happiness to everyone around her.
Her family described her as a vibrant child with a playful personality, calling her a fearless snack lover, a flower picker, and the shining light of her family.
They said her contagious laughter, loving nature, and joyful spirit left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her.
Investigation Continues
The West Melbourne Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding Jonnie’s death.
Prosecutors will now move forward with the criminal case against Jordan and O’Connell as the legal proceedings continue.
