A man who concealed a supply of fentanyl under the floor of a daycare center in the Bronx was sentenced to 45 years in prison Wednesday, following the tragic overdose death of a toddler.
Felix Herrera-Garcia had earlier admitted guilt to drug-related charges and to causing bodily harm in connection with the death of 22-month-old Nicholas Dominici, who ingesting fentanyl at the Divino Niño daycare in September 2023.
Additionally, three other children who were exposed to the potent substance managed to survive after emergency responders administered Narcan, an opioid overdose reversal medication.
Prosecutors revealed that Herrera-Garcia fled the United States after the overdose incident and evaded authorities in Mexico for approximately two weeks before his apprehension.
He confessed to hiding the fentanyl beneath the floor of the daycare’s playroom. When given the opportunity to address the court prior to his sentencing, he expressed a desire for the families of the affected children to eventually find it in their hearts to forgive him.
Herrera-Garcia noted that he had previously interacted with the children and claimed he attempted to aid two of them before leaving when an ambulance arrived.
“I wake up at night with nightmares about what transpired that day,” he shared.
The presiding Judge Jed S. Rakoff dismissed a prosecution request for a life sentence, indicating that the act, while grave, did not equate to premeditated murder but was closer to manslaughter, showing a reckless disregard for human life.
Nevertheless, Judge Rakoff emphasized the severity of the incident, stating, “This is so far removed from everyday manslaughter.”
In contrast, the defense team sought the minimum prison sentence of 20 years.
Alongside Herrera-Garcia, his wife, who was identified as being involved in the daycare’s operations, and another individual face separate charges that include murder, narcotics possession, and assault.
Their legal proceedings are still ongoing.