Shocking Twist: Third Suspect Arrested in Tragic Overdose Death of Bronx Toddler at Day Care Center

A third individual has been apprehended and accused in federal court on Monday for their involvement in the tragic demise of a 1-year-old boy who was exposed to the extremely potent drug fentanyl while at a Bronx day care. Federal prosecutors have confirmed the identity of the individual as Renny Antonio Parra Paredes, aged 38, and have charged him in the US District Court in Manhattan with a single count of conspiracy to distribute narcotics, which led to the fatal outcome.

CNN has contacted Paredes' attorney for a comment.

In spite of the recent arrest of a third individual, law enforcement officials are continuing their search for the husband of one of the co-conspirators who was apprehended. He was captured on surveillance fleeing from the daycare center after the overdoses, carrying plastic bags that authorities suspect may contain fentanyl.

"Todays apprehension represents an additional stride in the pursuit of justice for the innocent minors affected by this monstrous crime, as well as their families," expressed Damian Williams, the US Attorney for the Southern District of New York.

Authorities discovered a trap floor and drugs hidden in the Bronx day care center where a 1-year-old boy died of a suspected fentanyl overdose, the NYPD said.

From NYPD News/X

NYPD uncovers drugs and a concealed trap door in the floor of a Bronx day care center, where a one-year-old child tragically lost their life due to a suspected fentanyl overdose. Additionally, three other young children - two boys aged two and an eight-month-old girl - were rushed to the hospital and experienced acute opioid intoxication after being exposed to the same dangerous substance.

Paredes, who was taken into custody on Saturday in a Bronx apartment, reportedly planned to distribute fentanyl, including at the day care center, starting from July 2023, as per authorities.

According to a criminal complaint, Paredes, along with his alleged partners in crime, Grei Mendez and Carlisto Acevedo Brito, stored the illicit drugs at the day care facility. Shockingly, this included a kilogram of fentanyl placed on children's playmats.

The drugs and materials used for packaging the narcotics were kept in concealed compartments called "traps" in the room where children played and slept. The distribution materials included glassine envelopes that had the words "Red Dawn" stamped on them. Phone calls and text messages between Mendez, Brito, and Paredes were traced by investigators. Upon entering Paredes' apartment to make the arrest, investigators discovered a shopping bag filled with tools necessary for distributing narcotics, such as strainers, tape, plastic bags, digital scales, and additional glassine envelopes with the "Red Dawn" stamp. Further investigation led to the discovery of the stamp itself.

Suspect Grei Mendez is the owner and operator of the day care, according to court documents.

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Suspects in Bronx day care overdose cases that left 1 child dead and 3 others sickened are believed to be drug distributors, federal source says

According to a federal law enforcement official, the suspects are believed to be midlevel drug distributors responsible for combining fentanyl with other substances such as baby powder. DEA Special Agent in Charge Frank A. Tarentino III stated that Paredes played a crucial role in the conspiracy, including the death of Nicholas and the exposure of three other children to the drug.

"Traffickers disregard the safety of others by concealing contraband in inconspicuous or unsuspecting places," stated Tarentino III. "In this instance, the floorboards of the Daycare were utilized as a hiding spot, endangering the lives of innocent children who innocently played on the floor."

According to officials, if Paredes is found guilty, he will face a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life.