According to Sheriff Bobby J. Guidroz, “On July 14, 2022 the St. Landry Parish Juvenile Detectives were contacted regarding a toddler who was found unresponsive by her mother in the home, and was transferred to a local hospital and later pronounced dead.
When detectives spoke with the coroner, it was determined that the juvenile did not have any noticeable signs of injury or trauma.”
An autopsy and toxicology were performed on the day of the child’s death. It was determined and the cause of death was an overdose of fentanyl and the infant’s death was deemed a homicide.
During the course of the investigation, it was learned that Kandice Charles abused drugs in her home; however, she stated she never abused the drugs in the presence of her children, and the drugs were kept above the bathroom sink or in her makeup bag.
On January 17, 2023, the Department of Children and Family Services performed a urine and hair follicle drug screen on Kandice Charles. The results indicated that Kandice Charles tested positive for fentanyl as well as other illegal narcotics.
On January 19, 2023, Kandice Charmaine Charles was transported to the St. Landry Parish Jail and charged with negligent homicide.
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ARRESTED
Kandice Charmaine Charles, age 31 – Black / Female
158 Alvin Street – Opelousas, LA., 70570
CHARGES: Negligent Homicide
TOTAL BOND: $25,000
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On behalf of Sheriff Bobby J. Guidroz, this is Deputy Chief Eddie Thibodeaux. All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
