Aiken Mother Charged with Murder in Baby’s Death from Fentanyl Fumes

The mother of a one-year-old child who died as a result of exposure to fentanyl fumes has been charged with murder in connection with her death.

Alexandra Howell was charged Monday by the Aiken County Sheriff's Office in connection with the January death of Alexavia Aguirre.  Howell, who had been living with her parents on L&L Lane, said she found her baby unresponsive and cold when checking on her while she was napping in a bedroom.  Howell told authorities she placed the baby on the floor near a vent to try to get her warm.   Howell's mother, Marsha, told authorities Alexavia wasn't breathing when she checked on her.

An ambulance was called and paramedics administered CPR.  Alexavia was pronounced dead at Aiken Regional Medical Center.  Emergency crews said they found evidence of fentanyl at the scene.  Howell, who said the fentanyl wasn't around the baby or her other children, was arrested and charged at the time with Possession of Fentanyl.  She was released from custody the following day.

Following an investigation, Howell was taken into custody yesterday and charged with Murder/Homicide by Child Abuse and two counts of Unlawful Neglect of a Child or Helpless Person.