North Carolina Mother Charged After 1-Year-Old Daughter Dies From Drug Overdose Inside Charlotte Motel, Police Say
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA — A 26-year-old woman is facing serious felony charges after police say her 1-year-old daughter died from a drug overdose inside a Charlotte motel room where narcotics were kept within the child’s reach.
According to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, officers were called to a motel in west Charlotte shortly after Christmas Day ended, where they found the toddler unresponsive and not breathing.
Child Found Unresponsive Inside Motel Room
Police said officers responded around 1:20 a.m. Friday to a call for help at the Studios & Suites 4 Less motel in the 3400 block of Queen City Drive.
When officers entered the room, they discovered a 1-year-old girl who was not breathing, according to a department press release. The child was rushed to a nearby hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.
The victim was identified as Kamelah Doris Michilena, police confirmed.
Witness Raised Overdose Concerns Early In Investigation
As detectives began examining the circumstances surrounding the child’s death, a woman staying at the motel — who said she was close to the family — told investigators she believed the toddler may have overdosed, according to WSOC.
That tip prompted a deeper investigation into the motel room and the child’s exposure to illegal substances.
Police Say Crack Cocaine And Fentanyl Caused Death
According to an arrest warrant reviewed by Law&Crime, investigators uncovered evidence of crack cocaine and fentanyl inside the motel room.
Authorities determined that Kamelah had been exposed to both drugs, and that the exposure ultimately caused her death. Police have not publicly detailed how the child came into contact with the narcotics, citing the ongoing investigation.
Mother Accused Of Reckless Parenting
Police identified Brionce Parks, 26, as the child’s mother. Investigators say Parks was living in the motel room with her daughter at the time of the incident.
Authorities allege Parks acted recklessly by keeping controlled substances in the room, allowing conditions that led to the child’s fatal overdose. She was interviewed by detectives and arrested later that same Friday.
Parks has been charged with child abuse and exposing a child to a controlled substance, both felony offenses under North Carolina law.
$1 Million Bond Set As Investigation Continues
Parks is currently being held on a $1 million bond, according to court records. She is scheduled to appear in court next on Jan. 15, 2026.
Police say the investigation remains active, and additional details may be released as detectives continue reviewing evidence and witness statements.
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