A Florida father and the mother of his children face serious charges following the tragic death of their 2-year-old daughter, who allegedly died from ingesting kratom pills. Authorities have charged Jerome Jonathon Jordan, 35, and Charlene Rea O’Connell, 32, with aggravated manslaughter of a child and child neglect. The charges stem from the death of Jonnie Jordan, who was pronounced dead at Holmes Regional Medical Center in Melbourne on May 18, more than two months after the incident.
Alleged Kratom Ingestion and Delayed Care
Investigators with the West Melbourne Police Department detailed a harrowing sequence of events that allegedly occurred the night before Jonnie’s death at O’Connell’s home in Palm Bay. According to the police, the toddler gained access to kratom pills belonging to both Jordan and O’Connell, consuming an estimated two and a half pills.
Following the alleged ingestion, authorities claim that both adults witnessed the child experiencing severe distress. Reports indicate Jonnie’s lips turned blue, she suffered a seizure, and her breathing became abnormal. Despite these alarming symptoms, police allege that Jordan and O’Connell failed to immediately call for emergency medical assistance or transport the child to a hospital.
Hospitalization and Cause of Death
Instead of seeking immediate help, police state that Jordan transported Jonnie back to his sister’s apartment in West Melbourne. He reportedly put the child to bed there. It wasn’t until the following morning, after discovering Jonnie unresponsive, that Jordan rushed her to Holmes Regional Medical Center. Hospital staff pronounced her dead shortly after her arrival.
During the initial stages of the investigation, Jordan reportedly urged hospital staff to administer Narcan, a medication used to reverse opioid overdoses. This action led detectives to suspect an overdose as a potential cause of death early on.
The Brevard County Medical Examiner’s Office later determined that Jonnie’s death was caused by acute mitragynine intoxication, the primary psychoactive compound in kratom.
Understanding Kratom
Kratom is a substance derived from the leaves of a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia. It is commonly available in various forms, including powders, capsules, gummies, and drinks. Some individuals use kratom for its purported stimulant or pain-relieving properties. However, federal health officials, including those at the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, part of the National Institutes of Health, have issued repeated warnings regarding its safety.
While kratom remains legal at the federal level, the Drug Enforcement Administration has taken steps to address concerns about highly potent derivatives. The DEA announced its intention to place high-potency 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) products and certain related synthetic compounds into Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. This classification is due to their high potential for abuse and opioid-like effects. It is important to note that this action does not apply to natural kratom leaf products.
Arrests and Investigation
Following a thorough investigation that spanned several months, police arrested Jordan and O’Connell on Thursday. Both individuals are currently being held without bond at the Brevard County Jail. Authorities have confirmed that Jordan’s sister, at whose apartment Jonnie was taken after leaving O’Connell’s home, is not facing any charges in connection with the toddler’s death.
The charges of aggravated manslaughter and child neglect underscore the gravity
