Authorities have filed a murder charge against a Virginia mom in connection with the death of her young daughter who was found unresponsive in a motel they were staying in, according to cops.
According to a report by WTVR-TV, citing the medical examiner's office, two-year-old Lanoix Andrade died of acute diphenhydramine toxicity. Diphenhydramine is commonly known to people as Benadryl.
According to a news release, cops in Virginia Beach, Virginia, responded on August 1 to the Cutty Sark Motel where they discovered Leandra Andrade suffering from a medical emergency.
Lanoix pronounced dead on the scene in motel room
The 38-year-old's daughter, Lanoix, who was also in the motel room, was pronounced dead on the scene. The elder Andrade was transferred for treatment to a local hospital. According to The Virginian-Pilot, the mom was charged upon release with abuse and neglect of a child in relation to the death of her toddler, which authorities deemed at the time as suspicious.
The media outlet reported, citing court records, that Andrade fled the Washington D.C., area with Lanoix prior to the incident. Leandra decided to leave town after Lanoix's dad, Fabio Andrade Jr., was awarded full legal custody of the toddler, although both of them were granted joint physical custody of the child.
Fabio called his toddler daughter the love of his life following the announcement of the murder charge and autopsy results. He said in the statement that while the charges will never bring back his daughter, he is thankful to the Office of the Commonwealth's Attorney for seeking justice for Lanoix's senseless murder.
Fabio added that he is looking forward to seeing justice served for Lanoix. He said that he continues to ask for privacy so that he may mourn his beloved angel. Leandra retained attorney James Broccoletti for the case. It was unclear if Leandra entered a plea to the murder charges.
Leandra arraigned on felony child abuse charge after release from hospital
Jail records indicated that Leandra was denied bond, according to People Magazine. She was arraigned on a felony child abuse charge back in August following the child's death. Leandra arrived at the Virginia Beach city jail shortly after her release from the hospital.
Her arraignment took place in the Virginia Beach Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. She told substitute Judge Anthony Nicolo at the time that she is a housewife and she was not sure if she would be able to afford an attorney. She told the judge she plans to ask family for help. The judge told Leandra that he would appoint a public defender if she is unable to get assistance.
Fabio released a statement at the time, saying that his daughter Lanoix loved life and that she loved to make her friends and family smile. He added that he is devastated that the opportunity for Lanoix to continue living a happy and loving life was taken from her.
