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Phoenix mother sentenced to 12.5 years in prison in baby’s fentanyl-related death

A Phoenix woman has been sentenced to 12.5 years in prison for the death of her 18-month-old child in what officials said was a fentanyl overdose last year.

Natalie Tate, 38, pleaded guilty to one charge of manslaughter, one charge of child abuse and one charge of attempt to commit child abuse, according to a release from the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office.

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Phoenix mother sentenced to 12.5 years in prison in baby’s fentanyl-related death

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A Phoenix woman has been sentenced to 12.5 years in prison for the death of her 18-month-old child in what officials said was a fentanyl overdose last year.

Natalie Tate, 38, pleaded guilty to one charge of manslaughter, one charge of child abuse and one charge of attempt to commit child abuse, according to a release from the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office.

“The recklessness of this fentanyl-addicted mother caused her toddler to grab a hold of a lethal dose of fentanyl,” said County Attorney Rachel Mitchell. “This drug is everywhere in our community, and we must do all we can to protect the most vulnerable: our children.”

Tate was arrested after police responded to her call on Jan. 29, 2024 that her child was unresponsive. When officers arrived, they learned Tate has used fentanyl the nigh prior, leaving pills out within reach of the child, according to the release.

After Tate woke up the next morning, the pill container was found open, there was residue on the floor, and the child was unresponsive. The child was pronounced dead at the scene. The medical examiner attributed the child’s death to acute fentanyl consumption.

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