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Fentanyl-Linked Involuntary Manslaughter Lands Couple in Jail
A tragic case of fentanyl poisoning has led to the conviction of a Yakima, Washington couple. Samantha Marie Tainewasher, 39, and Calvin James Hunt, 52, were found guilty of involuntary manslaughter and related charges in connection to the death of a 15-month-old child.
According to court documents, on March 29, 2020, the Yakama Nation Police were dispatched to Tainewasher’s home in Wapato, Washington, after a report of an unresponsive child. When officers arrived, they found the child unresponsive and administered CPR. The child was later pronounced deceased at the hospital, and a toxicology report revealed that the child died from ingesting fentanyl.
A subsequent investigation by the FBI led to the seizure of Hunt’s phone, which contained a video of Tainewasher’s home. The video showed methamphetamine, a fentanyl-laced pill, and drug paraphernalia. Further investigation revealed that Tainewasher and Hunt had engaged in buying and selling heroin, methamphetamine, and pills on Facebook.
Tainewasher’s Facebook posts also acknowledged her addiction and confessed that her use of drugs led to her son’s death. ‘This case is incredibly tragic and heartbreaking,’ stated Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington. ‘A 15-month-old child, whose parents are members of the Yakama Nation, ingested a deadly amount of fentanyl while in the care of his mother, who was just a few feet away.’
Tainewasher was sentenced to time served on one count of involuntary manslaughter and one count of use of a communications facility in the commission of a drug felony. Hunt was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison on one count of involuntary manslaughter, one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, and one count of use of a communications facility in the commission of a drug felony. Both defendants will serve three years of federal supervision upon their release from custody.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of the fentanyl epidemic on families across the country. The investigation was led by the FBI, with prosecution handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Michael Ellis and Timothy J. Ohms.
Key Facts
- State: Washington
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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