A mother is sentenced to life in prison after her two-year-old son died from a Fentanyl overdose. After the overdose death of her son, Mitchell Robinson III, following multiple prior overdoses, Whitney Ard was convicted of second-degree murder, and she was sentenced to Life in Prison. District Attorney Hillar Moore argued that the circumstances—particularly the presence of a substantial amount of fentanyl in the home—demonstrated a pattern of negligence that crossed into criminal behavior.
“Whether intentional or not this is criminally negligent to allow a child to overdose when you have brought in the most powerful drug around into your house and allow a child to have access.”
Despite Ard’s defense claiming negligence rather than intent, the jury’s decision underscores a growing recognition of the severe consequences of drug abuse, particularly in environments involving children. The case has also prompted scrutiny of the Department of Children and Family Services, which faced criticism for its handling of the situation, leading to the resignation of a supervising official. Moore says DCFS is not under criminal investigation.
“The jury did not find that DCFS did not do anything wrong in this matter. I know that’s what the allegations were. They found that this woman who was responsible for her child is responsible for his death.”
This case serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for effective measures to protect vulnerable children and address the broader opioid epidemic. Moore says Ard will likely appeal
“I thought the judge did a very good job and laid out the position on why she thought life in prison is the appropriate sentence, which it is.”