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14-month-old found dead in drug-filled room, New York officials say. Dad pleads guilty

NEW YORK — A dad is facing prison time after his toddler died in a bedroom where drugs were found, New York officials said.

In January 2024, Suffolk County officers went to a Holbrook home after getting a call about a 14-month-old boy that was unresponsive, according to a March 18 news release by the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office.

When officers arrived, they found Wilkens Adonis, 39, and his girlfriend’s son unresponsive in the bedroom, officials said.

The toddler was taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead, officials said.

Officers with a search warrant found cocaine, alprazolam, methadone, drug packaging materials, scales, and guns inside the home – all unsecured and within reach of Adonis’ children, prosecutors said. An autopsy revealed the toddler died from a mixture of heroin, cocaine and fentanyl, officials said.

Adonis pleaded guilty March 17 to manslaughter, criminal possession of a controlled substance, and endangering the welfare of a child, officials said. He is facing a maximum sentence of five years to 15 years in prison, officials said.

Adonis’ attorney did not immediately reply to a McClatchy News request for comment.

Adonis is scheduled to reappear in court on April 17 for his sentencing, the release said.

Holbrook is about a 60-mile drive northeast of New York City.

If you or a loved one shows signs of substance use disorder, you can seek help by calling the national hotline at 1-800-662-4357 or find treatment using SAMHSA’s online locator.

If you suspect a child has experienced, is currently experiencing, or is at risk of experiencing abuse or neglect, your first step should be to contact the appropriate agency. The Child Welfare Information Gateway has a list of state agencies you can contact. Find help specific to your area here.

For additional help, the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline has professional crisis counselors available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in over 170 languages. All calls are confidential.

The hotline offers crisis intervention, information, and referrals to thousands of emergency, social service, and support resources. You can call or text 1-800-422-4453.

If you believe a child is in immediate danger, please call 911 for help.

By PALOMA CHAVEZ/McClatchy News

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