ALBUQUERQUE, NM – In a disturbing turn of events, Gabriella Muniz, already facing charges related to the tragic death of her four-month-old child, is now accused of smuggling fentanyl into jail, leading to another inmate’s overdose.
Muniz, who was arrested alongside the child’s father, Victor Gonzales, after their baby was found unresponsive, appeared in court visibly upset by the media presence. Both parents face charges of child abuse resulting in death, with their infant discovered lifeless after a nap.
During the court session, Muniz’s demeanor suggested her discomfort with the attention. Prosecutors revealed that while in custody, she allegedly introduced fentanyl into the facility. This incident led to a medical emergency when an inmate was found unresponsive. Quick action by officers, administering Narcan and performing CPR, saved the inmate’s life.
Court documents indicate that Muniz admitted to possessing the fentanyl, described as a “pure powdered” form, which she surrendered to corrections officers. The prosecution argued that her actions endangered other inmates, asserting that she presents a significant risk.
Muniz’s defense contended that she should be released, arguing that the cause of her baby’s death remains undetermined. They suggested the possibility of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) as a cause, emphasizing that not all tragedies equate to criminal acts. However, the judge was not swayed by this argument.
Muniz’s legal troubles are deepening as these new charges unfold, casting a shadow over the ongoing investigation into her child’s death. The court proceedings continue as the community grapples with the implications of these serious allegations.
The case has drawn significant attention, highlighting issues of drug use and safety within correctional facilities, as well as the profound tragedy of infant mortality under such circumstances.