CIRCLEVILLE – Two Circleville people have been charged with the involuntary manslaughter of their two-year-old and overdose of a 4-year-old.
According to reports on Sunday 1/16/22 around 5 pm, Brianna Roush, 26 brought her 20-month-old son into Berger Hospital by car, he was unresponsive and not breathing from an overdose of illicit drugs. The hospital tried life-saving efforts but, he would not recover.
Soon afterward, Nicholas Lee, 25 brought their 3-year-old in that was also suffering from an overdose from illegal drugs, he was treated locally and transported to Children’s Hospital in unknown condition, he was later released to family members.
During the course of the investigation, it was discovered that both children had ingested Fentanyl at the family’s apartment, located at 151 West High Street Apartment #C in the City of Circleville.
Law enforcement and Child protective services were called to the hospital to start an immediate investigation. A search warrant then was used to check the couple’s Circleville home
Upon testing the items, they returned positive for Fentanyl and AcetylFentanyl. Upon speaking to the mother and father, they both admitted to using and selling illicit narcotics such as Fentanyl and Crack Cocaine. They were unaware of how the children acquired Fentanyl.
Upon speaking to the mother and father, they both admitted to using and selling illicit narcotics such as Fentanyl and Crack Cocaine. They were unaware of how the children acquired Fentanyl.
Arrested and charged are Nicholas D. Lee, 25 of Circleville, and Brianna E. Roush, 26 of Circleville. Lee and Roush both are charged with Felony 1 Involuntary Manslaughter, Felony 2 Attempted Involuntary Manslaughter, two counts each Felony 3 Child Endangering, Felony 4 Trafficking in Fentanyl and Felony 5 Possession of Fentanyl. They will be housed at the Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office Jail until their initial court appearance at Circleville Municipal Court.
“Our department and our personnel are deeply saddened and outraged at the death of an innocent child due to the illegal drugs that plague our community. If you have a drug addiction or know someone that does, please reach out for help. The senseless deaths in our community due to dangerous drugs needs to stop.”
In Pickaway County Common please court this week both Nicholas D. Lee, 25, and Brianna E. Roush, 26 of Circleville plead not guilty to the charges of
Involuntary Manslaughter,
Possession of Fentanyl,
Endangering Children (x4),
Permitting Child Abuse
For assistance with drug addiction or to report drug activity please contact the Circleville Police Department at (740) 477-DRUG (3784).
