Brian Mason, 17th Judicial District attorney.
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Staff reports
A grand jury returned first-degree murder and Colorado Organized Crime Control Act charges against the parents of a toddler who died from fentanyl poisoning earlier this year. Adams County District Attorney Brian Mason made the announcement Sept. 22.
The indictment accuses Alonzo Montoya and Nicole Casias, both 31, of participating in a drug-trafficking enterprise before, during and after their one-year-old daughter’s death. The original charges against Montoya and Casias were for child abuse resulting in death and the distribution of a controlled substance. The new indictment means those charges were dropped.
A press statement said the grand jury reviewed evidence from the North Metro Drug ask Force, the Brighton Police Department and the DA’s office.
The new charges also include a count of conspiracy, child abuse resulting in death and two counts of child abuse as they relate to manufacturing a controlled substance
Montoya and Casias are in custody in the Adams County Jail. Montoya’s next court appearance is for a motions hearing at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 5. Casias is due in court at the same time for a conference hearing.
