Isha Garcia
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — An Albuquerque mother is facing a child abuse charge after her 1-year-old baby was hospitalized for a suspected opioid overdose earlier this week.
According to court documents, police responded Tuesday afternoon to a hotel on Candelaria Rd. NE for a report of child neglect. First responders had contacted police after the baby showed signs of an overdose. The child was conscious and breathing when emergency crews arrived.
Investigators say the baby’s mother, 40-year-old Isha Garcia, had called out for Narcan before help arrived. The child was transported to the University of New Mexico Hospital, where medical staff said the symptoms were consistent with opioid exposure.
Garcia initially told officers the baby may have found a pill on the floor, but later said she didn’t know what happened. A search of the motel room uncovered a blue pill on the bed, a broken glass pipe, and used foil in the trash.
The state Children, Youth and Families Department placed the baby and another child on a 72-hour protective hold. Security footage showed Garcia in the hallway seeking Narcan before first responders arrived.
Garcia denied using fentanyl and said she had recently moved into the hotel. She was later charged with child abuse without great bodily harm or death in connection to the incident.
