Florida Woman Charged with Manslaughter After 5-Year-Old Dies from Meth-Laced Apple Juice

A Riviera Beach woman faces serious charges after a 5-year-old boy died from ingesting meth-contaminated juice, as investigators uncover drug paraphernalia and poor living conditions in her home.

Riviera Beach, FL — A southeastern Florida woman is facing a felony manslaughter charge after a 5-year-old boy under her care died from methamphetamine poisoning, reportedly after drinking from a contaminated bottle of apple juice.

Authorities say 37-year-old Heather Fawn Opsincs was arrested and charged with one count of aggravated manslaughter of a child following the March 23 tragedy. She is being held at the Palm Beach County Jail after processing at the Riviera Beach Police Department. Her next court appearance is scheduled for April 22.

Police were called to Opsincs’ apartment around 5:37 p.m. that Saturday after a report of an unresponsive child. Upon arrival, officers spoke with a man identified in court records only as a babysitter. He told officers that while Opsincs was outside washing a cooler, the child grabbed a bottle of apple juice from a table, drank it, and immediately said it "tasted weird" before spitting it out.

What followed was a rapid deterioration in the child’s condition. According to court records, the boy began shaking, sweating, and eventually vomited a dark substance. He also developed rashes, stiffened up, and appeared to suffer seizure-like symptoms. The babysitter began CPR while awaiting emergency services.

When Opsincs was alerted, she rushed inside and found the child with blue lips and no strong pulse, exhibiting further signs of a serious medical emergency. He was transported to Saint Mary’s Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead.

At the hospital, investigators noted the child had older, healed bruises around his ribs and a fresh bruise above his left eye. Opsincs told investigators the boy had autism and required close supervision, including not using the bathroom alone. She claimed she had hired the babysitter six months prior and that he regularly watched the child several times a week.

During questioning, Opsincs told authorities she did not use recreational drugs and denied ever using meth. However, a field drug test conducted at the hospital showed she tested positive for methamphetamines—not once, but twice. She initially claimed the first test was flawed, but the results were confirmed during a second screening.

When authorities later searched Opsincs’ home, they discovered several methamphetamine-laced glass pipes, along with rotting food and excessive garbage throughout the apartment. Investigators described the living space as “deplorable” and “unkempt,” declaring it unfit for a child—especially one with special needs.

Multiple Meth Pipes were found in the home

Court records state that Opsincs had previously called poison control after the child reportedly licked bleach. Still, despite prior incidents, she continued to expose the child to unsafe living conditions and inadequate supervision.

The Department of Children and Families assisted with the investigation and is involved in reviewing the circumstances surrounding the case. Officials emphasized that Opsincs knowingly failed to provide the child with a safe, habitable environment—ultimately contributing to his death.

Opsincs has not entered a plea. Her public defender has yet to comment on the charges.

The investigation remains active, with officials urging anyone with additional information to come forward. The tragic case highlights ongoing concerns over child welfare, substance abuse, and the impact of environmental neglect on preventable deaths.

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse or childcare challenges, contact a local social service agency or national support organization for help. Help is available, and no one should suffer alone.