By Erika Hernandez
A 41-year-old woman, identified as Rebecca Jordan, was arrested in New York state on charges of causing the death of his 10-year-old son in Halfmoon by administering an excessive dose of diphenhydramine. Authorities described the case as a rare tragedy.
The incident occurred on January 19 in a residential park, where Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a call of an unattended death around 9:40 a.m., NewsChannel 13 reported.
The victim, identified as Eddie, died after an overdose of diphenhydramine, an antihistamine present in medications such as Benadryl.
Charges and investigation details
Authorities charged Jordan with second-degree murder, tampering with physical evidence and endangering the welfare of a minor.
According to the researchers, the woman would have supplied an “excessive” amount of the drugwhich caused poisoning, aspiration of gastric contents and respiratory difficulties that led to the death of the child.
In addition, he is accused of hiding the container of the medication with the intention of interfering with the investigation.
County Attorney Brett Eby called the case unusual. “It’s an absolute tragedy. It’s not something we see on a regular basis.”
Lethal dose and effects of the drug
Diphenhydramine is a commonly used antihistamine, but in high doses it can be lethal.
Medical studies indicate that moderate doses can cause tachycardia and neurological alterations, while Ingestions greater than 1 gram can cause seizures, coma and death
Commercial tablets usually contain between 25 and 50 milligrams, which highlights the magnitude of the dose administered in this case.
Sheriff Jeffrey Brown stated that the amount supplied would have been enough to cause death even in an adult.
Hypotheses about the reason
The authorities consider that The woman would have administered the medication with the intention of inducing the minor’s sleep and managing alleged behavioral problems.
Prosecutor Eby pointed out that it was an attempt at “negligent” parenting, with fatal consequences.
The boy was remembered by his relatives as a “sweet” child with a happy personality, fond of animals and activities such as cooking and building.
Jordan was presented in local court and remains detained in the county jail while the judicial process continues.
The authorities reiterated that cases of child deaths represent some of the most complex and painful episodes that security agencies face.
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