A grieving mother of a 1-year-old who tragically lost their life due to fentanyl poisoning at a Bronx daycare that operated as a drug den described the incident as “every parent’s nightmare” while the head of the operation received a 45-year prison sentence.
“I can tell you something for sure, to celebrate your child’s birthday in a cemetery is not an easy thing” Zoila Dominici said, tears flowing down her cheeks, as she addressed a Manhattan court during the sentencing of Felix Herrera Garcia on Wednesday — just one week before Nicholas Feliz Dominici would have celebrated his third birthday.
The individual found guilty of drug dealing, who admitted to all charges related to the tragic incident at Divino Niño Daycare in Kingsbridge back in June, became emotional while speaking to the court and expressed a desire for the family of the victim to eventually find it in their hearts to forgive him.
Wednesday’s hearing represented the initial sentencing related to the tragic incident that occurred within the day care, where it is reported that Herrera Garcia and his associates concealed 12 kilograms of narcotics in trap doors and closets beneath the mats used by toddlers for play and rest, according to authorities.
In a troubling incident on September 15, 2023, three additional children suffered from poisoning, among them a 2-year-old boy who was urgently taken to the hospital and came close to losing his life, only to be saved by the opioid overdose medication Narcan, according to court documents.
After getting a call from his wife Grei Mendez, who operates the daycare and is dealing with her own legal troubles, Herrera Garcia was present for only two minutes before he was seen leaving the premises with bags of drugs, according to photographic evidence.
Herrera Garcia persisted in his drug dealings even after the tragic loss of his brother in October 2022 due to fentanyl exposure.
After the death of Nicholas, Herrera Garcia escaped the country and was subsequently captured by law enforcement in Mexico.
Speaking through a Spanish interpreter, Herrera Garcia asserted on Wednesday that he attempted to “help” the children in distress, stating that he only departed the scene upon hearing the sirens of an approaching ambulance.
Prosecutors sought a life sentence following his guilty plea to charges that included conspiracy to distribute narcotics leading to death.
Mendez’s situation remains unresolved, and she has entered a plea of not guilty. Carlisto Acevedo Brito, the cousin of Herrera Garcia, also entered a plea of not guilty.
Another individual, 38-year-old Renny Antonio Parra Paredes, has admitted guilt regarding his involvement in the drug operation and is now waiting for sentencing.