Tuesday, April 3, 2012

CPS previously investigated mother accused of killing son with methadone

Posted: Mar 26, 2012 5:22 PM Updated: Mar 26, 2012 5:22 PM Posted by Sarah Cantey - email Donna Rose Smith RELATED LINKS Neighbors react to OV mom charged with murder OV mother charged with murder ORO VALLEY, AZ (Tucson News Now) - Tucson News Now has learned that Child Protective Services previously investigated an Oro Valley woman now accused of killing her young son with methadone. Oro Valley police arrested Donna Rose Smith on March 9 at the home she shares with her parents. The arrest followed a four week investigation into the death of 18-month-old Patrick Smith. Officers found the toddler unresponsive after a 911 call brought them to a home Feb. 5. Patrick was pronounced dead at the hospital. CPS now says it had contacted Donna Smith about reported child neglect in July 2010. A CPS release says Smith admitted to using a painkiller that was not prescribed to her during pregnancy, causing Patrick to test positive for opiates at birth. CPS says Smith did not have the means to independently care for the baby which put him at risk for injury, malnutrition, developmental delays, even death. CPS says Smith was offered substance abuse treatment, parenting education and professional case management. Copyright 2012 Tucson News Now. All rights reserved.

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