Florida Parents Charged with Aggravated Manslaughter After Toddler Dies from Kratom Ingestion
Two Florida adults were arrested and charged with aggravated manslaughter after a 2-year-old died from ingesting kratom pills and they did not seek immediate medical help.
West Melbourne police have charged 35-year-old Jerome Jonathon Jordan and 32-year-old Charlene Rea O'Connell with aggravated manslaughter of a child and child neglect after their 2-year-old daughter, Jonnie Jordan, died on May 18. Investigators say the toddler accessed kratom pills belonging to the couple at O'Connell’s Palm Bay home, consumed up to two-and-a-half capsules, and then exhibited cyanosis, a seizure and irregular breathing.
Instead of calling emergency services, the adults allegedly placed the child in Jordan’s sister’s West Melbourne apartment and only later rushed her to Holmes Regional Medical Center, where she was declared dead. The Brevard County Medical Examiner determined the cause of death to be acute mitragynine intoxication. Jordan initially requested Narcan, prompting early speculation of an overdose. Both suspects remain jailed without bond, while Jordan’s sister faces no charges.
Why it matters
The case underscores risks of unsupervised kratom exposure to children and questions about parental duty and drug safety.
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