Kent Police are investigating two separate cases where a 9-year-old boy and a 15-year-old girl reportedly died from acute drug intoxication, including fentanyl and/or methamphetamine.
The King County Medical Examiner’s Office released the names and cause of death for both children on Aug. 3.
Isaiah Cole, 9, died Aug. 2 of acute drug intoxication, including fentanyl and the manner of death is accident, according to the medical examiner.
India Henderson, 15, died Aug. 2 of acute combined drug intoxication, including fentanyl and methamphetamine and the manner of death is accident, according to the medical examiner.
“It’s important to note that the report from the medical examiner is preliminary and we can’t completely confirm the cause of death at this point,” Kent Police Chief Rafael Padilla said in an Aug. 4 email. “Because of that our detectives are investigating these deaths looking at all potential causes of death.”
Isaiah was found at a residence in the 22900 block of Military Road South and India at an apartment complex in the 6200 block of South 242nd Place, Padilla said.
“Our initial information is that both youth were located unconscious,” Padilla said. “There were no obvious signs of foul play, but again, our investigators are looking at all potential causes of death.”
Both children died at the scene.
“Despite attempts at lifesaving measures by our officers and fire personnel, both juveniles were pronounced deceased at the scene,” Padilla said.
The chief said it’s two separate cases.
”We do not believe they are connected at all,” he said.
When asked who found them, Padilla wasn’t ready to say.
“We are not releasing that information at this time,” he said.
And how did they get the drugs?
“That is being investigated,” Padilla said.
Whether any arrests might be made remains to be determined.
“If the evidence reveals criminal culpability, we will pursue criminal charges,” Padilla said. “At this point, we don’t have information to confirm that either way.”
Padilla said the department is limiting the information it’s releasing because it’s an active investigation.
“We also want be respectful to the families that have experienced this horrible loss,” he said. “When it is appropriate to do so, more information will be released.”
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