Authorities have sentenced Felix Herrera Garcia, the husband of a Bronx daycare owner, to 45 years in prison for his role in the fentanyl poisoning that allegedly killed 1-year-old Nicholas Dominici and harmed three other children. He originally pleaded guilty in June, according to The New York Times.
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Details On Man’s Sentencing After Fentanyl Poisoning Kills Toddler At Bronx Daycare
The court sentenced Felix Herrera Garcia to 45 years in prison for drug distribution that allegedly caused the toddler’s death. As TSR previously reported, Grei Mendez first contacted her husband after discovering that the 1-year-old, Nicholas Dominici, was “unresponsive.” When Garcia arrived, he reportedly took items from the daycare’s basement before fleeing from the police.
Authorities charged Felix Herrera Garcia, his wife Grei Mendez, and two others for fentanyl poisoning at Divino Niño daycare on Sept. 15, 2023. Grei Mendez’s case remains pending, and she has entered a not-guilty plea, per the New York Post. Herrera Garcia’s cousin, Carlisto Acevedo Brito, also pleaded not guilty. In contrast, the fourth defendant, Renny Antonio Parra Paredes, has pleaded guilty to his involvement in the drug operation and is now awaiting sentencing.
NBC News reports that 22-month-old Nicholas Dominici died while two other children passed out. Another child became lethargic at home after pickup. Prosecutors accused the daycare of processing fentanyl on-site. Prosecutors said the surviving children needed Narcan to reverse the overdose, according to a criminal complaint. From October 2022 to September 2023, Felix Herrera Garcia and others allegedly sold drugs from the daycare, hiding over 11 kilograms of fentanyl in secret traps under the playroom floor, where the children spent their time.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams criticized Felix Herrera Garcia for putting babies at risk of fentanyl exposure.
“This case demonstrates the deadly reach and scope of the fentanyl epidemic, and the profound damage it inflicts on American lives, including the lives of the most vulnerable among us,” Williams stated. “This Office and our law enforcement partners will work tirelessly to ensure that anyone who harms or risks the lives of children in connection with their deadly narcotics activities will be brought to justice.”
Toddler’s Mother Responds To Sentencing As Felix Herrera Garcia Seeks Forgiveness
Zolla Dominci, the mother of Nicholas Dominici, who died from fentanyl poisoning at the Bronx daycare, described the tragedy as “every parent’s nightmare,” as noted by the New York Post. The outlet adds that Felix Herrera Garcia received his sentencing a week before Nicholas Domici would have turned three years old.
“I can tell you something for sure, to celebrate your child’s birthday in a cemetery is not an easy thing,” Zolla told a Manhattan court as Herrera Garcia received his sentencing.
During his sentencing, Felix Garcia asked Nicholas Dominici’s family to eventually forgive him. He acknowledged that his apology might not hold much weight, but it deeply matters to him.
“I know this won’t be easy, but I ask if they can ever forgive me,” he added. “I have nightmares about what happened that day,” Garcia said.
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