Nicholas Alexander, a 37-year-old father, has been sentenced to 17 years in prison for the aggravated manslaughter of his 8-month-old daughter, who tragically died after ingesting lethal amounts of Fentanyl. This sentence is accompanied by three years of probation following his release. Alexander entered a guilty plea on October 1, admitting to culpable negligence in connection with the death of his child. Along with him, the infant’s mother, Carissa Alexander, was arrested in June 2023 and faced similar charges of aggravated manslaughter. The case has drawn significant media attention, highlighting the severe consequences of substance abuse and parental negligence.
The tragic events unfolded on May 31, 2023, when deputies from the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office responded to an emergency call regarding the unresponsive infant. Nicholas Alexander, along with a friend, brought the child to HCA Florida Sarasota Doctors Hospital but, unfortunately, it was later determined that the baby had been deceased for several hours. Initial investigations revealed that the infant had been left unattended for a considerable period, lying face down on a couch, as alleged by court records. The negligence displayed by both parents while under the influence of drugs raised serious concerns regarding the child’s welfare.
Autopsy results indicated that the 8-month-old had died from an overdose of Fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid. A probable cause affidavit stated that both parents exhibited signs of drug impairment at the time of questioning by law enforcement, such as slurred speech and difficulty remaining awake. Nicholas Alexander himself admitted to having consumed cocaine within hours of the incident, while the mother was alleged to have used cocaine around the same time as well. This pattern of drug use and neglect underscores the severity of the charges against both parents.
Witness accounts provided additional context to the situation leading to the infant’s death. It was reported that Nicholas Alexander placed the baby in a playpen around midnight prior to the incident but failed to check on her for an extended duration, leaving her without supervision for several hours. Another witness described arriving at the residence later in the day and discovering the child lying cold on the couch. These testimonies highlight the apparent disregard for the child’s safety, reinforcing the justification for the legal actions taken against the parents.
In addition to the manslaughter charge, Nicholas Alexander also pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine and drug paraphernalia. For these additional offenses, he received credit for time served and was ordered to pay prosecution costs. Meanwhile, Carissa Alexander accepted a plea deal earlier, receiving a 10-year prison sentence, potentially in an effort to mitigate her legal consequences. Their decision to accept plea bargains instead of going to trial underscores the overwhelming evidence presented by prosecutors regarding their culpability in the tragic death of their child.
The devastating loss of this infant has brought to light the broader issue of substance abuse and its impact on families, prompting reflection on the responsibilities of parents and guardians. As authorities continue to address the epidemic of drug-related fatalities, cases like this are reminders of the life-altering consequences that negligence and addiction can have. The legal proceedings and sentences for both Nicholas and Carissa Alexander serve as a warning to others and highlight the importance of safeguarding children’s welfare in environments troubled by substance abuse.
