Miami Man, 20, Now Faces Aggravated Manslaughter Charge in Fentanyl-Related Death of 18-Month-Old Boy

Miami, FL – A Miami man initially arrested in May is now facing an aggravated manslaughter of a child charge in connection with the tragic fentanyl-related death of an 18-month-old boy. Richie Jonathan Gregoire, 20, had been taken into custody on May 21 after investigators discovered approximately 69 grams of suspected fentanyl in his bedroom.

This development comes as the community continues to grapple with the devastating loss of the toddler, who died on January 3 after accidentally ingesting drugs at a home off Northwest 91st Street near 22nd Avenue. The new charge against Gregoire adds another layer to this complex and heartbreaking case that has drawn significant attention.

The initial investigation into the child's death began on January 3 when Miami police officers and Miami Fire Rescue personnel responded to a report of an unresponsive toddler. The child was transported to Jackson Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. An autopsy conducted by the Miami-Dade County Medical Examiner’s Department later confirmed the presence of fentanyl and a trace amount of cocaine in the child’s blood.

Disturbing details emerged during the investigation, including the fact that a Ring camera captured the moments when the toddler consumed the drugs before becoming unresponsive. Authorities determined the child accidentally ingested a small amount of drugs left inside an unlocked room. Four children, aged 1 to 8, were present in the home at the time and were exposed to drugs. Investigators also found three unsecured guns inside the residence. The child's mother, Pearlandria Boujolly, 29, was not home when the incident occurred and was previously charged with aggravated manslaughter of a child in the same case.

Gregoire's May 21 arrest report indicated that the ATF Task Force’s Street Terror Offender Program assisted Miami police in the investigation that led to the discovery of fentanyl in his bedroom. The legal proceedings against both Gregoire and Boujolly will continue to unfold, with the community seeking justice and answers in this profound tragedy.