Vanessa Hampton arrested: Philadelphia mother allegedly caused her son’s death by drugs

MEDFORD TWP., New Jersey (WPVI) – A Philadelphia mother is now behind bars after authorities say she caused the death of her 10-month-old son through exposure to an illegal drug known on the streets as “tranq.”

Vanessa Hampton, 32, of Frankford, was arrested last week in Philadelphia and is awaiting extradition to New Jersey, where she faces manslaughter and possession of a controlled dangerous substance.

The investigation began in November 2022 when Medford Township police were called to a home where an unresponsive infant was found.

The boy was taken to hospital and later pronounced dead.

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A coroner ruled that the child’s death was a case of manslaughter. The boy died of drug poisoning after his mother allegedly gave him the sedative “xylazine”.

Xylazine is widely used in veterinary medicine as a sedative, muscle relaxant, and analgesic. It is not approved for human consumption or medical treatment in the United States.

According to officials, the drug is mixed with fentanyl and other illegal opioids.