A Dorchester mother was arraigned Monday on manslaughter and related charges after her 4-year-old daughter died from a fentanyl overdose in their home in August. Suffolk prosecutors charged 35-year-old Dayanna Familia in connection with the death of Liyanna Bautista Familia, who was found unresponsive on the evening of August 17.
Boston police responded to the Dorchester residence around 8:51 p.m. following a report of an “unknown problem.” Upon arrival, officers were informed that the child was unresponsive, not breathing, and lying on the bedroom floor. Witnesses indicated that the child was overdosing. Despite efforts by police and emergency medical personnel, including CPR, the child was pronounced dead at the scene.
An autopsy determined that Liyanna’s cause of death was acute fentanyl intoxication. Authorities said she was under the sole care of her mother at the time and that Dayanna Familia possessed the fentanyl involved in the incident. Suffolk Assistant District Attorney Allyson Portney told the court that Familia gave false and misleading information to emergency responders and law enforcement about the cause of the child’s medical emergency, hindering life-saving efforts. Familia reportedly claimed the child had turned blue while drinking milk and suggested possible ingestion of roach poison.
Prosecutors also presented body-camera footage allegedly showing Familia attempting to destroy evidence, specifically a white powder believed to be fentanyl. Besides manslaughter, Familia faces charges including drug possession, recklessly endangering a child, destroying evidence, and intentionally misleading investigators. Police arrested her Saturday in Dedham, with the Boston Police Fugitive Unit taking her into custody.
During the arraignment in Dorchester Municipal Court, Familia entered a not-guilty plea through her attorney, Rosalinda Refsland. The defense highlighted Familia’s lack of prior criminal history and extensive family support, noting the presence of her mother, sister, and other relatives at the hearing. Refsland requested bail be set at $10,000, arguing that Familia had cooperated since the incident, working with child services and family court, and therefore posed no flight risk.
Judge Jonathan R. Tynes ultimately set bail at $250,000 cash. Familia’s next court appearance is scheduled for November 20. Family members of the child have established an online fundraiser for funeral expenses, describing Liyanna as “a beautiful little girl with so much life ahead of her.”