YORK COUNTY, Va. — Author's note: This story has disturbing details about the death of a young child. Please read with caution and consideration for your mental health.
Two York County parents now face homicide charges related to their 2-year-old daughter's death, according to the Juvenile Court Clerk's Office.
Anna Raines and Jesse Gunn were initially arrested on child neglect and abuse charges earlier this year. After their arrest, Anna Raines' father Timothy Raines, who also lived in the home, was also arrested and charged with felony child neglect.
The York-Poquoson Sheriff's Office started the investigation on July 7, when Raines called for help. First responders found the toddler lying on the floor, unresponsive, and pronounced her dead.
The criminal complaint explained that the home was in extreme disarray, with cigarette butts around the bedroom, and deputies found suspected heroin and syringes in the baby's area. Her crib was also soiled with urine-soaked blankets.
The report says the firefighter who examined the girl found that one of the child's arms was colder than the rest of her body.
The sheriff's office asked for the medical examiner's office to do an autopsy on the toddler. Donna Price with the Tidewater Chief Medical Examiner's Officer labeled it an accident.
The cause of death was fentanyl and Xylazine overdose, along with nicotine exposure, according to the sheriff's office.
Xylazine is a sedative used for larger animals, such as horses or cattle, and is usually prescribed by a veterinarian. The drug can be deadly to humans, especially smaller children.
Major Ron Montgomery with the York-Poquoson Sheriff's Office said this is one of the first times he has seen Xylazine involved in one of their drug-related investigations.
"The Xylazine was a surprise because we haven't seen it that much in the York County area," said Montgomery. "The side effect of Xylazine is it will project the same type of symptoms as heroin, but it is not an opioid, so if a deputy or law enforcement officer thought someone was overdosing on an opioid and gave them Narcan and it turns out to be Xylazine, it won't work on them."
Montgomery said while he hopes this is an isolated case, it's possible there are other doses of fentanyl laced with this drug. He said in light of this tragic death, he hopes it helps create awareness.
"That's a tragedy for the entire community and we hope that maybe people will learn from this experience and be more aware of what's going on in the community and what they're bringing in around their children," said Montgomery.
Anna Raines and Jesse Gunn remain in Virginia Peninsula Regional Jail without bond.
Raines' father, Timothy Raines, is also charged with felony neglect. According to state records, he is a licensed physician in the Hampton region.