Is there any mention of child drug ingestion or overdose?

The fatality report (Q2.2024-25.pdf) states: "A toxicology screening revealed the child tested positive for an illegal substance. The child subsequently died as a result of the ingestion." Multiple news articles further specify the substances. The WTAJ article states: "the toxicology report on the child, which indicated that at the time of death he had Fentanyl, Methamphetamine, Cocaine and Xylazine in his system. The cause of death was listed as 'Multiple Drug Intoxication.'" The Miami Herald article reports: "Livengood told police she believed her son drank the contents of a water bottle, which she said was contaminated with drugs."

Is there any mention of inappropriate supervision (e.g., child wandered off and drowned)?

The WTAJ article states that Livengood told police she "had left her residence...to 'go for a drive'" and returned to find the child with labored breathing. The WJAC preliminary hearing article reports that "the three kids living at the home at the time were all playing inside Koval's room the night before the boy was found unresponsive," and that state troopers "found drugs in Koval's room, as well as the living room of the home." The children were allowed to play in a room where drugs were accessible, and the mother left the residence, constituting inadequate supervision in a drug-laden environment.

Was a biological father involved in the death?

The Daily American article states: "The child's father, Chaney, and mother, Livengood, brought the child into the emergency room by private vehicle." The WJAC article confirms: "Livengood and Chaney were identified as the mother and father of the boy." Jeremy Chaney was charged with involuntary manslaughter, endangering the welfare of a child, and reckless endangerment. As a designated caregiver who "violated their duty of care to the child by having knowledge of ongoing drug activity within the home," the biological father was directly involved in the child's death.

Was a biological mother involved in the death?

Lauren Livengood was identified as the child's biological mother across multiple sources. The WTAJ article states she was charged with involuntary manslaughter and child endangerment. As a designated caregiver, she was charged for violating her "duty of care to the child by having knowledge of ongoing drug activity within the home."

Was a male paramour or friend involved in the death (e.g., boyfriend, stepfather)?

Rusty Koval was a non-family male who was staying at the residence and was charged in the child's death. The WJAC article states: "Koval, a 'known drug user,' was reportedly staying at the residence at the time of the incident." The WTAJ article reports that Chaney told police "he, Livengood and the child were living with Koval for a couple of days." Koval was charged with involuntary manslaughter, child endangerment, drug possession, and evidence tampering. He was a friend/acquaintance who resided with the family and was designated as a caregiver.

Was another adult relative involved in the death? (e.g., grandfather, aunt)

Linda Pape, the child's grandmother, was charged in the child's death. The WJAC article states: "Police say Pape is the child's grandmother." The Daily American article confirms: "The child's grandmother, Pape, also was at the hospital." She was charged with involuntary manslaughter, child endangerment, and reckless endangerment as a designated caregiver who resided in the household.

Is there a history of child protection reports prior to death (for this child or siblings)?

The fatality report (Q2.2024-25.pdf) explicitly states: "The family was previously known to child welfare." This indicates prior child protection involvement before this incident.

Was an adult charged or arrested for the child's death?

The Daily American article reports: "charges have been filed Tuesday against Jeremy Chaney, 43; Rusty Koval, 36; and Linda Pape, 64...and the child's mother, Lauren Livengood, 34." All four were "charged with felony counts of endangering the welfare of a child and involuntary manslaughter, along with reckless endangerment." All four were arraigned and jailed.

Is substance use by the parent/caregiver referenced?

Multiple sources reference substance use by caregivers. The WJAC article states Pape is the child's grandmother and a "known drug user." The WTAJ article reports that Chaney told police Koval "used to be a heroin addict." The Daily American article quotes the DA: "Each individual is alleged to have violated their duty of care to the child by having knowledge of ongoing drug activity within the home." Extensive drug paraphernalia was found throughout the residence during a search, including stamp bags and smoking pipes.

Several notable details emerge from the text. First, there was a two-year gap between the child's death (April 17, 2022) and the filing of criminal charges (April 2024), described by the DA's office as resulting from "a thorough and voluminous multi-agency investigation." Second, the fatality report (Q2.2024-25.pdf) stated that "a perpetrator could not be identified" and the CPS report was indicated against an "unknown perpetrator," despite four specific individuals subsequently being charged criminally. Third, the WJAC preliminary hearing article reports that Koval told police "there was a '50/50 chance' that the child got into drugs that were in his room" and that he "admitted to hiding evidence by disposing of a bag of drugs" after the child was taken to the hospital. Fourth, the WTAJ article details an extensive list of drug paraphernalia found throughout the residence during a search warrant, including numerous stamp bags with various logos, glass smoking pipes, and drug containers, demonstrating the pervasive drug environment in which the child was living.