Boston Mother Arrested in Daughter's Fentanyl Death
Dayanna Familia faces manslaughter charges following the death of her four-year-old child from fentanyl ingestion.
Updated on Oct. 25, 2026 in Drug Crime
Boston police have arrested 35-year-old Dayanna Familia in connection with the death of her four-year-old daughter, Liyanna Bautista Familia. The child died in August after ingesting fentanyl.
Why it matters
The case highlights the ongoing severity of the fentanyl crisis and the tragic consequences of drug exposure for young children in the community.
Dayanna Familia was taken into custody by the Boston Police Department's Fugitive Unit. She is scheduled for an arraignment hearing in Dorchester to face charges of manslaughter.
The players
Dayanna Familia
She is a 35-year-old Boston resident currently facing manslaughter charges.
Liyanna Bautista Familia
The four-year-old child died after ingesting fentanyl.
Boston Police Department
The local law enforcement agency responsible for investigating the death and conducting the arrest.
The details
The Boston Police Department's Fugitive Unit executed the arrest of Dayanna Familia following the death of her daughter, Liyanna Bautista Familia, earlier this year. The four-year-old victim died after ingesting the potent synthetic opioid.
Timeline
Liyanna Bautista Familia died on August 18, 2026.
Dayanna Familia was arrested between October 24 and October 25, 2026.
The arraignment for Dayanna Familia is set for October 26, 2026.
Legal Context
This case follows a pattern set by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts vs. drug-induced manslaughter prosecutions where authorities seek criminal accountability for fatal overdoses. Such legal actions reflect a broader shift toward treating adult negligence in child deaths as serious criminal offenses.
This case serves as a somber reminder for residents to secure all medications and controlled substances away from children. Local authorities may increase public awareness efforts regarding household safety and the dangers of accidental ingestion in the community.
The takeaway
Parents and caregivers should maintain strict control over household chemicals and medications to prevent tragic accidents. Understanding the extreme potency of synthetic substances is essential for maintaining a safe living environment for children.
Further reading
For more on local law enforcement efforts, visit the Drug Crime section.
