Ohio Mother Wanted by Police After Her 17-Month-Old Daughter Dies With Fentanyl in Her System

An Ohio mother is being sought by police after her 17-month-old daughter died with a fatal amount of fentanyl in her system, according to authorities.

Brittany M. Stroud, 30, is facing multiple charges in connection with the child’s death. The toddler had reportedly been placed in the court-ordered custody of her maternal grandmother, Tammy Stroud, 52. Court orders reportedly prohibited the mother from having unsupervised visits with her daughter.

Emergency responders were called to a home in Orient, Ohio, on October 13, 2026, at around 11:14 a.m. The child was given CPR and rushed to Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, where she was pronounced dead.

An autopsy conducted the following day found a fatal amount of fentanyl in the toddler’s system. Investigators subsequently executed a search warrant at the home and collected evidence as part of their investigation.

On October 16, charges were filed against both women. Brittany Stroud was charged with involuntary manslaughter, endangering children and possession of a controlled substance. Her mother, Tammy Stroud, faced charges including complicity to involuntary manslaughter and complicity to endangering children.

Tammy Stroud surrendered to authorities on October 18 and appeared in court the following day. Her bond was set at $250,000.

As of the sheriff’s office statement reported on October 19, Brittany Stroud remained at large, and authorities were seeking her whereabouts.

The investigation raises serious questions about how the toddler came into contact with fentanyl. The charges are allegations, and the legal proceedings will determine responsibility for the child’s death.

Source: PEOPLE