Espanola, NM – A 26-year-old woman is facing charges in the death of her 15-month-old child, who allegedly died after being exposed to fentanyl.
According to New Mexico State Police, officers were called to Presbyterian Hospital in Espanola on April 1st, 2025, where they found the child unresponsive. The investigation revealed that the child had been exposed to fentanyl. The mother, Ariana Vigil, reportedly told officers that she had placed the child on the floor while cleaning up after the child, and later rinsed the child’s mouth, believing the child had come into contact with drug paraphernalia.
Vigil said she observed the child for around 10 minutes before the child became unresponsive. Despite efforts to get the child medical attention, the child was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
During the investigation, agents learned that Vigil admitted to smoking fentanyl, and a search of the residence uncovered burnt foils and narcotics consistent with fentanyl use. Vigil was arrested and booked into the Rio Arriba County Detention Center on charges of Child Abuse Resulting in Death and Possession of a Controlled Substance.
The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the child’s death is ongoing.
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