A North Carolina mother and grandmother have been arrested and charged with murder more than a year after a 9-month-old girl died with fentanyl in her system. Desiree Blackburn, 34, and her mother, Kerry Blackburn, 54, were arrested in August in connection with the infant’s death on June 18, 2025, at a Greensboro residence. Police responded after receiving a report that the baby was unresponsive. The child was pronounced dead at the scene. A subsequent toxicology examination detected fentanyl, prompting investigators to examine how the infant may have been exposed to the drug.
Prosecutors allege fentanyl was present inside the home and that the child ultimately came into contact with it. Investigators reportedly determined that Desiree had used fentanyl and allegedly kept some of the substance inside her bra. Prosecutors believe the infant was able to access and ingest the drug. Authorities also examined baby-monitor footage from the residence. Prosecutors described the video as showing circumstances they considered unsafe for the infant. The child was reportedly seen falling over and later being covered by a blanket while other activity occurred nearby. Investigators also allegedly observed conduct they characterized as potentially drug-related while the baby was present.
The arrests followed an investigation lasting more than a year. Authorities cited evidence gathered from the residence, surveillance footage and findings from the medical examiner. Kerry Blackburn was arrested August 14, while Desiree Blackburn was arrested August 18. Desiree was reportedly hospitalized at the time and appeared remotely at a court hearing from her hospital bed.
Both women face charges of second-degree murder and child abuse. They were denied pretrial release and are scheduled to return to court on October 27, 2026. Authorities have not publicly provided the same level of detail about Kerry Blackburn’s alleged actions as they have regarding the accusations against Desiree. The charges remain allegations, and both defendants are entitled to due process as the case proceeds through court.
About the Author
