Winnetka mother arrested in death of 3-year-old twins exposed to unknown substance
Two twin 3-year-old boys died from a possible overdose after police said they consumed or were exposed to an unknown substance in Canoga Park.
The first twin passed away after they arrived at the hospital on Thursday, July 11, and the second passed away on Saturday, July 13.
Jestice James, the mother of the boys, was arrested on suspicion of murder after officers responded to a call about the boy's death at a home on Sherman Way near Winnetka Avenue on Thursday, the Los Angeles Police Department said. Officers found both boys unresponsive when they arrived at the scene around 11:20 a.m.
Paramedics attempted life-saving measures on the boys before both were rushed to a nearby hospital, according to police.
At the hospital, one of the toddlers, identified as Joshua James, was pronounced dead while his brother was in critical condition.
The second toddler died on Saturday, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
"Preliminary investigation revealed that the children had ingested, or been exposed to, an unknown substance," LAPD said in a statement.
James and other people who lived at the home were taken to LAPD's Topanga Community station for questioning. After further investigation, officers arrested James and the other people questioned are not being investigated anymore, police said.
Christopher Burko was one of the people who tried to help the boys before first responders arrived to the scene.
"I was the only one who knew CPR — two kids," he recalled. "I walked in, looked blue and it freaked me out."
Another witness recounted the moments after the children were discovered unresponsive.
"It was like hysterical going on, screaming," Ivory McKinzie said. "They were down here when the police came. The ambulance came a little later. They try to bring Narcan to save the babies. I guess that attempt didn't work."
No other details have been released as the investigation continues.
Anyone with information can call Detective Ortiz at 818-374-5415 while calls during non-business hours or on weekends should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.
Those wishing to remain anonymous can call L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or visit lacrimestoppers.org.
