Toddler dies after mom feeds her meth to offset methadone ingestion, police say

Authorities say a Phoenix woman has been arrested in her daughter’s death after giving the toddler methamphetamine in an effort to counteract the methadone she had consumed from an open container.

Police said Natalie Russell, 30, was arrested last week on suspicion of one count of first-degree murder and two counts of child abuse.

They said 22-month-old Adalynn Russell died April 14 and autopsy results showed she had toxic levels of methadone and methamphetamine in her system. Methadone is a drug used to prevent withdrawal symptoms in those addicted to opiates.

Officers were called to the family’s home in response to a child not breathing. Paramedics worked to revive the girl, but she died at the scene.

It wasn’t clear Tuesday whether Russell had a lawyer.

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