SPOKANE, WA – Detectives who specialize in cases involving young children have continued the investigation of a 3-year-old child believed to have overdosed on fentanyl in late February. On Wednesday, police served a search warrant to the mother’s residence in Spokane Valley.
According to the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, on February 21, 2025, Spokane Valley Deputies and Spokane Valley Firefighters responded to a medical call reporting a 3-year-old who was not breathing and unresponsive at a residence in the 11700 block of E. Mansfield Avenue.
Spokane Valley Firefighters arrived and quickly provided medical treatment to the young victim. The child began breathing and was transported by AMR to the hospital.
Arriving Deputies contacted the caller, 40-year-old Cameron R. Danley, who explained that he had been outside with the young male child before the incident. When they came inside, the child went upstairs. Soon after, Danley went upstairs and found the child on the ground, unresponsive and turning blue.
During the investigation, deputies gained additional information pointing to the child possibly suffering from a fentanyl overdose.
Detectives continued the investigation and now believe the victim’s mother, 38-year-old Jessica A. Demaine, left pills, believed to contain Fentanyl, on her bedroom dresser, which the child victim could access. The child, thinking it was candy, ingested the pills, lost consciousness, and stopped breathing.
On Wednesday, with probable cause to arrest Demaine, a search warrant was served at the residence. Demaine, Danley, and 37-year-old Tana M. Brown were detained without incident.
During the search, police say investigators recovered pills believed to contain Fentanyl, a substance believed to be methamphetamine, and drug paraphernalia in Demaine’s bedroom and attached bathroom toilet, indicating someone attempted to flush and destroy evidence.
At the conclusion, all three were arrested and booked into the Spokane County Jail.
Demaine was booked for Criminal Mistreatment 2nd Degree, Assault of a Child 3rd Degree (Weapon or Negligent Injury), and Reckless Endangerment in connection with this investigation.
Danley was booked for unrelated misdemeanor warrants for Malicious Mischief (Property), Driving while Suspended 3rd Degree, and Operating a Vehicle w/o Interlock Device as Required.
Brown was booked for an unrelated misdemeanor warrant for Possession of a Controlled Substance.
“It is shocking that any parent would recklessly or intentionally expose their child to Fentanyl, knowing the potentially deadly consequences. When we learn of this inexcusable behavior, we will seek charges to hold them accountable,” said Spokane County Sheriff John Nowles.
As the investigation continues, police say additional charges and arrests are possible.
