An Alabama woman has been charged with manslaughter after her 2-year-old daughter died with fentanyl in her system, police said Tuesday.

The case began at approximately 4 p.m., July 18, when officers with the Tarrant Police Department were dispatched to the 2200 block of Old Pinson Highway in Tarrant, Alabama, regarding an unresponsive 2-year old juvenile.

Upon arrival, officers made contact with the juvenile who apparently lacked a pulse.

According to the parents, including Farrah Bates (“Bates”), the juvenile was sleeping along with her in bed. The juvenile was transported to Children’s Hospital where she was pronounced deceased.

Upon an autopsy by the Jefferson County Coroner/Medical Examiner’s Office, the juvenile was found to have fentanyl within her system at the time of death; an unlawful narcotic causing significant concerns in today’s society.

Upon re-assignment of said case by Interim Chief James Hill II to Detective Crosby on November 14, 2023, who re-commenced the investigation, the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office has charged Bates with a homicide designated as reckless manslaughter in violation of Alabama Code § 13A-6-3 (Class B Felony). Furthermore, Bates is charged with chemical endangerment of exposing a child to controlled substances in violation of Alabama Code § 26-15-3.2 (Class A Felony). Bates, at 4:57 pm, turned herself into the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office on today under advisement of counsel.

Anyone with additional information in relation to this case is asked to contact Corporal Williamson at (205) 948-3218 or Detective Crosby at (205) 849-2811.