A 3-year-old girl in Mason County, Kentucky, died in April 2023 after exposure to fentanyl. Her mother, Brittany Wolfe, left her three children with their father, William Hanna, while she worked a night shift on April 18, 2023. Hanna admitted to police that he had used drugs and that his daughter must have gotten into them. The couple's son told officers he knew where his parents kept needles and that his father had put makeup on the girl's face and drew on it after she passed out. When Wolfe returned home in the morning and went to Kroger, she found her daughter dead upon her return and called 911. Authorities determined the child had died before the mother went to the store. Both parents were charged with murder, wanton endangerment, and exposing their children to drugs. Wolfe herself had overdosed two months before the child's death.
Contexts/Conditions
Is there any mention of child drug ingestion or overdose?
The news article states that the couple's "3-year-old daughter died after exposure to fentanyl" and that "Hanna admitted to police he had used drugs and that his daughter must have gotten into them." This clearly describes child drug ingestion.
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 that "Wolfe left her three children with Hanna while she worked a night shift on April 18, 2023." Hanna then "admitted to police he had used drugs and that his daughter must have gotten into them." A parent using drugs while supervising children, leaving those drugs accessible such that a 3-year-old could ingest fentanyl, constitutes inappropriate supervision.
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?
The article describes William Hanna and Brittany Wolfe as a couple, and their children as shared. The son referred to Hanna as "his father." Hanna was left in charge of the children, admitted to drug use, and is charged with murder, wanton endangerment, and exposing children to drugs. He is identified as the biological father and was directly involved in the circumstances of the child's death.
Was a biological mother involved in the death?
Brittany Wolfe is the biological mother and is charged with murder, wanton endangerment, and exposing children to drugs. The article also notes that "Wolfe had overdosed two months before the girl's death," indicating ongoing drug use in the household. She is explicitly charged in connection with the death.
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)
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: "William Hanna and Brittany Wolfe are charged with murder, wanton endangerment and exposing their children to drugs." Both adults are charged in connection with the child's death.
Is domestic violence by the parent/caregiver referenced?
Is there any mention that the death occurred in a temporary shelter or while homeless?
Is an intellectual disability of the parent/caregiver referenced?
Is the mental health of the parent/caregiver referenced?
Is a history of arrests or criminal charges for the parent/caregiver referenced?
Is substance use by the parent/caregiver referenced?
The article explicitly references substance use by both caregivers: "Hanna admitted to police he had used drugs and that his daughter must have gotten into them." Additionally, "Wolfe had overdosed two months before the girl's death." The couple's son also "told officers he knew where his parents kept needles for drug use, but was told not to touch them."
Notable Details
The news article contains a notable detail reported by the couple's son: "He also said his father put makeup on his sister and drew on her face after she passed out." This suggests the father was aware the child was unconscious (likely from fentanyl exposure) and, rather than seeking medical help, engaged in bizarre behavior. This detail, combined with the fact that "Authorities say the girl died before her mother went to the grocery store," suggests a significant delay in seeking emergency care that may have contributed to the fatal outcome. Additionally, the son's statement that "he knew where his parents kept needles for drug use, but was told not to touch them" indicates the children were fully aware of and exposed to their parents' drug paraphernalia in the home environment.
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