Marina
In a disturbing case from Odessa, Missouri, a 9-year-old child’s fentanyl poisoning has led to multiple felony charges against two local residents.
The incident has raised serious concerns about child safety and drug exposure in domestic environments.
Incident Overview
On February 19, 2025, emergency services responded to a call about a 9-year-old who was unresponsive at a residence on South Fifth Street in Odessa.
The child was transported to Children’s Mercy Hospital, where tests revealed the presence of fentanyl, amphetamines, and nicotine in their system.
The child later informed authorities that they had been in the bedroom of William J. Ellingworth and Krystal Harris prior to falling ill.
Investigation Findings
A search warrant executed at the residence uncovered fentanyl, drug paraphernalia, and living conditions described as extremely poor, with trash and pests throughout the home.
These conditions were deemed neglectful, especially considering that three children resided in the household.
During interviews, Ellingworth admitted to using fentanyl before a prior arrest in December 2024 and acknowledged that he had not disposed of the narcotics.
Charges Filed
Based on the investigation, the following charges have been filed:
- William J. Ellingworth (31):
- Three counts of child neglect
- One count of drug trafficking
- Krystal Harris (33):
- Three counts of child neglect
Ellingworth is currently held at the Lafayette County Detention Center with a bond set at $50,000. An arrest warrant has been issued for Harris, with a bond condition of $15,000; she has not yet been taken into custody.
Case Details Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date of Incident | February 19, 2025 |
| Location | South Fifth Street, Odessa, Missouri |
| Victim | 9-year-old child |
| Substances Found | Fentanyl, amphetamines, nicotine |
| Suspects | William J. Ellingworth (31), Krystal Harris (33) |
| Charges | Child neglect (both), drug trafficking (Ellingworth) |
| Current Status | Ellingworth in custody; Harris at large |
| Next Court Appearance | May 15, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. |
Community Impact
This case has shocked the Odessa community, highlighting the dangers of drug exposure in homes with children.
Local authorities are urging residents to report any suspicions of child neglect or drug activity to prevent similar incidents.
The tragic incident in Odessa serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of drug misuse and child neglect.
As the legal proceedings continue, the community hopes for justice and increased awareness to prevent such occurrences in the future.