Republican Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger holds a press conference, saying the attack is ‘very, very serious’ and reveals that five letters were found. The mother and father of a Virginia toddler who fatally overdosed on a cocktail of drugs within reach of her cigarette and loose change-laden crib evaded murder charges in a plea deal, and will serve just over a decade apiece behind bars. Anna E. Raines, 30, and Jesse A. Gunn, 38, pleaded guilty to one count each of voluntary manslaughter and child abuse with a disregard for life last month. After initially arresting the couple on child abuse and neglect charges following their 22-month-old daughter’s death last July, investigators with the York-Poquoson County Sheriff’s Office tacked on felony homicide charges in October 2022, per court records reviewed by Digital.
The incident occurred when Raines left her 22-month-old daughter in the care of her father, Gunn, while she went out to buy drugs. Upon her return, she discovered that her child had died. Raines’ father, Timothy Lee Raines, who owned the home where the couple lived and their child died, also faces felony child abuse charges.
According to reports, when first responders arrived at the scene, they found the child in a crib surrounded by urine-soaked blankets, loose change, and cigarette butts. The room was described as being in “disarray,” with piles of clothing, trash, unclean dishes, and an overflowing litterbox. Investigators also found drugs, including heroin and loaded syringes, within reach of the crib.
The Tidewater Chief Medical Examiner’s office determined that the cause of death was an accidental overdose of fentanyl and Xylazine, with nicotine exposure also present in the child’s toxicology report.
Both Raines and Gunn pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and felony child abuse charges. They have been sentenced to serve 10 years each for manslaughter and five years for child abuse, with the terms to be served consecutively. Raines will be incarcerated at Virginia Peninsula Regional Jail, while Gunn has been transferred to Pamunkey Regional Jail. Additionally, both parents will be subject to 10 years of post-release supervision.
It is important to note that Xylazine, a sedative drug used on large animals, has been increasingly used to cut heroin. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration has raised concerns about the deadly effects of the drug on humans.
This tragic case highlights the devastating consequences of drug abuse and neglect. The plea deal reached by the parents has sparked discussions about the adequacy of the sentence given the circumstances. The case also raises questions about the need for stricter regulations on drug accessibility and the importance of providing support and resources for individuals struggling with addiction.
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