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Boston Parents Charged With Manslaughter After 5-Week-Old Dies of Alleged Fentanyl and Cocaine Exposure

A Dorchester couple, Raynell L. Reed (31) and Gerard L. Winn (52), pleaded not guilty to manslaughter after their 5-week-old infant died in January. The baby, born about two months premature on Dec. 5, 2024, was ruled to have died from acute intoxication from fentanyl and cocaine, with complicating factors of prematurity, severe malnourishment and sepsis. Prosecutors say the newborn failed to gain weight and was never taken for medical care as her condition deteriorated; both defendants are held on $100,000 cash bail and return to court on Dec. 18.

11:30 AM, 11/25/2025Society
Boston Parents Charged With Manslaughter After 5-Week-Old Dies of Alleged Fentanyl and Cocaine Exposure

A Boston couple has been charged with manslaughter after prosecutors say their 5-week-old infant died following exposure to fentanyl and cocaine.

Raynell L. Reed, 31, and Gerard L. Winn, 52, pleaded not guilty to manslaughter charges during a hearing in Suffolk Superior Court on Nov. 24. Both were ordered held on $100,000 cash bail and are scheduled to appear again on Dec. 18.

The infant was born at the couple’s home on Cheney Street in Dorchester on Dec. 5, 2024, roughly two months premature. Prosecutors say the child, identified in filings as G.R.W., failed to gain weight during the five weeks of life and was severely malnourished.

Cause of death and circumstances

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined the infant’s cause of death was “acute intoxication from the combined effects of fentanyl and cocaine, in a premature infant with malnourishment and sepsis.” Authorities say the newborn weighed about 2.5 pounds and developed sepsis prior to death.

“During the five weeks of her life, G.R.W. failed to gain or maintain weight and was severely malnourished,” wrote Suffolk Assistant District Attorney Laura C. Drohan in court papers. She said the parents observed the infant’s ongoing decline but did not seek medical care as the child’s condition worsened.

Prosecutors allege Reed called 911 on Jan. 9 after the newborn was not breathing. The child was taken to Boston Medical Center, where she later died.

Both Reed and Winn face manslaughter charges related to the infant’s death. The Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner were noted as sources of the medical and prosecutorial findings. Inquiries for further comment were made to the relevant offices.

If you suspect child abuse or neglect, contact the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child (1-800-422-4453) or visit www.childhelp.org. Calls are toll-free, confidential and available 24/7 in multiple languages.

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