Fourteen-year-old Landon Poston, who had autism, was found dead at the Intown Suites at 408 Mauldin Road in Greenville, South Carolina, in November 2022. His mother, 39-year-old Sonja Larae Campbell, had been living at the motel with her son when she consumed Oxycodone in a suicide attempt in his presence. During that time, Poston acquired Oxycodone pills and ingested an excessive amount, resulting in his death. Campbell was arrested approximately five months later on unlawful conduct towards a child charges and given a $25,000 bond.
Contexts/Conditions
Is there any mention of child drug ingestion or overdose?
The news article explicitly states that "Poston acquired Oxycodone pills and took an excessive amount, resulting in his death." This is a clear case of child drug ingestion/overdose.
Is there any mention of a drowning incident (either intentional or accidental)?
Is there any mention of a firearm incident?
Is there any mention of inappropriate supervision (e.g., child wandered off and drowned)?
The news article states the mother "consumed Oxycodone in an attempt to commit suicide" and this happened "in the presence of Poston, who had autism." During this time, "Poston acquired Oxycodone pills and took an excessive amount, resulting in his death." This implies the mother was incapacitated or unable to supervise her child with autism, during which time he accessed and fatally ingested the drug.
Is there any mention of inflicted injury? (e.g. slapped, punched, kicked, choked)
Is there any mention of malnutrition, starvation, or dehydration?
Is there any mention of medical neglect?
Is there any mention of a motor vehicle crash or incident?
Is there any mention of a murder-suicide incident?
Is there any mention of outdoor elements (including hot car deaths)?
Is there any mention of prenatal substance exposure (including fetal alcohol syndrome or neonatal abstinence syndrome)?
Is there any mention of sexual abuse?
Is there any specific mention of shaken baby or abusive head trauma?
Is there any mention of prolonged abuse or torture (including restraints, captivity)?
Is there any mention of an unsafe sleeping environment?
Individuals Involved
Was an adoptive parent or guardian involved in the death?
Was a biological father involved in the death?
Was a biological mother involved in the death?
The article identifies the mother, Sonja Larae Campbell, as the person whose actions led to the child's death. She "consumed Oxycodone in an attempt to commit suicide" in the presence of Poston, during which time the child acquired and fatally ingested the pills. She was arrested on "unlawful conduct towards a child charges."
Was a day care worker, babysitter, or nanny involved in the death?
Was a female paramour or friend involved in the death (e.g., girlfriend, stepmother)?
Was a foster parent involved in the death?
Was a male paramour or friend involved in the death (e.g., boyfriend, stepfather)?
Was another adult relative involved in the death? (e.g., grandfather, aunt)
Was a sibling involved in the death?
Child Characteristics
Was the child adopted?
Was the child homeschooled (including "cyberschooling") or taken out of school?
Was the child in foster care at the time of the incident?
Was the child living with relatives at the time of the incident (but not parents)?
Is there any mention of a neurological developmental child disability? (e.g., autism, intellectual disability, nonverbal)
The news article explicitly states that Poston "had autism," which is a neurological developmental disability.
Is there any mention of a physical child disability? (e.g., feeding tube)
Is there any mention of prematurity or low birthweight?
Is there a history of child protection reports prior to death (for this child or siblings)?
Does the child have a history of foster care (but not in care at time of incident)?
Is there a history of a sibling death (separate incident from this death)?
Parent/Caregiver Factors
Was an adult charged or arrested for the child's death?
The article states: "Campbell was arrested on unlawful conduct towards a child charges and was given a $25,000 bond during a hearing Wednesday night."
Is domestic violence by the parent/caregiver referenced?
Is there any mention that the death occurred in a temporary shelter or while homeless?
The news article states that the mother "had been living at the motel with her son" and that deputies were called to "the Intown Suites at 408 Mauldin Road." Intown Suites is an extended-stay hotel, indicating the family was living in a hotel at the time of the child's death.
Is an intellectual disability of the parent/caregiver referenced?
Is the mental health of the parent/caregiver referenced?
The article states the mother "consumed Oxycodone in an attempt to commit suicide," which implies significant mental health issues (suicidality). While no formal diagnosis is mentioned, a suicide attempt is strong evidence of mental health concerns.
Is a history of arrests or criminal charges for the parent/caregiver referenced?
Is substance use by the parent/caregiver referenced?
The article states that the mother, Sonja Larae Campbell, "consumed Oxycodone in an attempt to commit suicide." This is explicit substance use by the parent/caregiver.
Notable Details
The article reveals that the mother was charged with "unlawful conduct towards a child" rather than a more severe charge such as manslaughter or homicide, despite the child's death resulting from her actions. Additionally, the arrest did not occur until approximately five months after the child's body was discovered in November 2022, with the arrest happening in April 2023, suggesting a lengthy investigation. The relatively low $25,000 bond also stands out given the circumstances.
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