A 48-year-old woman, Frances Caso, has been charged following the tragic death of a 12-year-old girl from a suspected overdose in Fort Lee, New Jersey. The Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office announced on Sunday that Caso faces charges of endangering the welfare of a child, possession of controlled dangerous substances, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Discovery and Emergency Response
At 3:34 p.m. on Saturday, officers from the Fort Lee Police Department responded to a call at a private residence on Maple Street, where they found the young girl unresponsive. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) rushed the child to Hackensack University Medical Center, but she was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. The Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office became involved when officers at the scene noticed signs indicating a possible drug overdose.
Investigation and Arrest
A court-authorized search of the residence uncovered multiple drugs and drug paraphernalia. Further investigation revealed that Caso, along with three other juveniles, was present in the home at the time of the girl’s suspected overdose. The exact circumstances leading to the fatal dose of narcotics are still under investigation. Following the discovery, Caso was arrested and taken to the Bergen County Jail in Hackensack, where she remains in custody.
Ongoing Investigation
Prosecutors have stated that the investigation is ongoing as they work to determine the specifics of the narcotics involved and the events leading up to the girl’s death. The community is left reeling from the incident, highlighting the urgent need for awareness and prevention of drug misuse among children and teenagers.
Community Reaction and Support
The tragic death of the 12-year-old girl has sent shockwaves through the Fort Lee community. Local authorities and social services are expected to offer support to the affected families and emphasize the importance of vigilance in preventing drug-related incidents. This incident serves as a grim reminder of the dangers posed by drug accessibility and misuse, particularly among young people. The prosecutor’s office has urged anyone with information related to the case to come forward as they continue to piece together the events that led to the young girl’s untimely death.