Milwaukee Woman Charged With Reckless Homicide After Infant Dies From Fentanyl Exposure

Tashae Goodman, a 31-year-old Milwaukee resident, faces charges of first-degree reckless homicide and chronic child neglect following the death of her three-month-old baby. Emergency services were called on March 22 after Goodman reported that the infant had stopped breathing. While she initially suggested the child had been injured by couch cushions or that she had accidentally slept on the baby, medical examiners found no evidence of physical trauma or illness.

The investigation shifted when a toxicology report revealed that the infant had morphine and fentanyl in its bloodstream. Further testing confirmed that the baby's feeding bottle contained traces of fentanyl. During questioning, Goodman claimed the drugs were a result of her substance use during pregnancy and that the residue in the bottle was due to a lack of cleanliness in her home.

Additional evidence suggests a pattern of drug use within the household. The suspect's 10-year-old son told investigators that his mother was frequently under the influence of narcotics. Furthermore, records indicate that Goodman required the administration of Narcan on May 12 after an overdose that left her unable to pick up her son from school on time.

Goodman was arrested on May 17 and is currently being held on a $250,000 cash bond. She is scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing on May 28 to address the homicide and neglect charges.