Child dies from drug overdose, parents arrested for neglect

Two parents were arrested Thursday after toxicology reports following their infant’s death indicated the child had consumed five times the therapeutic amount of the anxiety medication Lorazepam.

Brenda Lynn Jay, 21, and Joshua A. Lloyd, 31, are currently being detained at the Monroe County Jail, both facing preliminary charges of neglect of a dependent and possession of a controlled substance. Bond for each of them is set at $100,000 surety and $500 cash.

The Bloomington Police Department initially reported March 23 to the parents’ North Lindbergh Drive residence in response to an unresponsive 4-month-old girl. Upon the arrival of police and medical personnel, the child was pronounced dead, BPD Sgt. Steve Kellams said.

Police continued to investigate the death, and toxicology reports were released Wednesday, indicating the infant tested positive for Lorazepam in levels in excess of five times the therapeutic amount, Kellams said.

Neither Jay nor Lloyd could produce a prescription for the medication, Kellams said.
Police issued a search warrant for the residence and located two Lorazepam tablets on the living room table.

No admissions were made during interviews with police, but because of the available evidence, Kellams said, police arrested Jay and Lloyd.

The coroner’s report is still pending.
 
— Kirsten Clark