Elizabethtown police charge father after 2-year-old dies from fentanyl, cocaine exposure

ELIZABETHTOWN, NC (WWAY) — The Elizabethtown Police Department says a 2-year-old child died after being exposed to fentanyl and cocaine, leading to criminal charges against the child’s father.

Police say detectives responded to Bladen County Hospital on Nov. 7, 2023, after receiving a report of an unresponsive toddler.

During the investigation, detectives learned the child’s father was suspected of selling fentanyl and cocaine. Investigators executed a search warrant at the family’s residence, where they located the father, Eric Mitchell Jr., along with quantities of fentanyl and cocaine, according to police.

Police say the investigation was conducted in collaboration with the Bladen County District Attorney’s Office, the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office, and the North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.

Authorities determined the child died as a result of the toxic effects of fentanyl and cocaine.

As a result of the investigation, Mitchell, of Elizabethtown, was charged with multiple drug offenses, involuntary manslaughter, and felony child abuse in connection with the child’s death.

According to court documents, Mitchell was arrested on Wednesday and posted a $75,000 bond.