by Riley Cook
In a shocking turn of events, the Bronx day-care center, Divino Nino Daycare, recently found itself at the center of a devastating tragedy. One toddler lost their life, and three others were hospitalized due to suspected fentanyl exposure. This heart-wrenching incident has left a community in mourning and has raised significant questions about the circumstances surrounding this unimaginable event.
Image Credit: Stephen Yang for NY Post
Grei Mendez De Ventura, the 36-year-old owner of Divino Nino Daycare, has been placed at the forefront of this distressing incident. The daycare, which was meant to be a safe haven for children, is now alleged to have been used as a front for illicit drug activities, according to police sources. The shocking revelation has sent shockwaves through the community and the nation at large.
Accompanied by her alleged associate, Caristo Acevedo Brito, 41, both suspects are facing grave charges, including murder, assault, and child endangerment. These charges stem from the suspected fentanyl exposure that tragically claimed the life of 1-year-old Nicholas Feliz Dominici and left three other children hospitalized. This unimaginable incident has not only shaken the community but also ignited a nationwide conversation about the safety and regulation of childcare facilities.
The circumstances surrounding this tragedy are deeply distressing. It is reported that the children were exposed to the deadly drug when it was inadvertently released into the air within the daycare center. This allowed the young children to inhale the substance, leading to their dire medical conditions.
The response from law enforcement and medical professionals was swift. Narcan, a medication used to counteract opioid overdoses, was administered to some of the affected children in a desperate attempt to save their lives. Despite the heroic efforts of first responders and medical personnel, young Nicholas Feliz Dominici tragically lost his life at Montefiore Medical Center.
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The heartbreaking reality is that three other children, two 2-year-old boys, and an 8-month-old girl, remain hospitalized due to their exposure to the deadly drug. One of the 2-year-old boys is in critical condition, while the 8-month-old girl is in stable condition. The other toddler, thankfully, is in stable condition as well after receiving prompt medical attention.
The shock and grief rippling through the community are immeasurable. Parents who entrusted their precious children to Divino Nino Daycare are now grappling with the unimaginable loss of a young life and the uncertainty of their own children's well-being. This incident underscores the critical importance of ensuring the safety and security of childcare facilities, not only in the Bronx but across the nation.
In addition to the harrowing charge of depraved indifference murder, both Grei Mendez De Ventura and Caristo Acevedo Brito are facing a litany of charges, including manslaughter, reckless endangerment of a child, assault, and criminal possession of a controlled substance. The severity of these charges reflects the gravity of the situation and the need for a thorough investigation into what transpired at the daycare center.
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Furthermore, authorities are conducting a manhunt for Ventura's husband, who resided with her next door and is also sought in connection with the tragic death of young Nicholas Feliz Dominici. The search for answers continues, and the community awaits further developments in this heart-rending case.
As the legal process unfolds, it is essential to remember the innocent lives profoundly affected by this tragedy. The children who were hospitalized, their families, and the memory of young Nicholas Feliz Dominici must remain at the forefront of our collective consciousness. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for stringent oversight and regulation of childcare facilities, ensuring that they are places of safety, care, and nurturing for our most vulnerable members of society.