Miami-Dade Woman Charged with Aggravated Manslaughter after 18-Month-Old's Overdose Death, FDLE Says

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement said its South Florida Substance Abuse Family Enforcement (S.A.F.E.) Task Force arrested a Miami-Dade woman on a charge of aggravated manslaughter of a child in connection with the overdose death of an 18-month-old. The suspect, identified by FDLE as Pearlandria Boujolly, 29, was booked following the task force's investigation, according to the agency's public statement.

What FDLE reported

According to the FDLE release, task force investigators arrested Boujolly on one count of aggravated manslaughter of a child under 18 years old. The charge, a first-degree felony under Florida law, applies when a caregiver's culpable negligence results in the death of a child. Aggravated manslaughter of a child carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in state prison upon conviction.

FDLE did not provide additional operational details in its public statement beyond what the release identified. Investigations into fatal child overdose incidents typically involve toxicology testing, review of substances present in the home, and reconstruction of the circumstances leading to the death. The specific details of the case will be part of the record as the prosecution proceeds.

The South Florida S.A.F.E. Task Force

FDLE operates specialized task forces across the state that focus on specific enforcement priorities. The South Florida S.A.F.E. Task Force targets substance abuse cases that involve family and household settings, with particular attention to incidents in which children are affected by adult substance use.

Task force operations typically involve coordination among FDLE agents, county and municipal law enforcement, medical examiners, child protective services, and prosecutors. The interdisciplinary approach reflects the complexity of cases in which children are harmed in the context of adult substance use in the home.

The charge explained

Aggravated manslaughter of a child under Florida Statutes Section 782.07(3) applies when a caregiver's culpable negligence, meaning conduct that involves a gross and flagrant character showing wanton disregard for the safety of others, results in the death of a child. The charge does not require proof that the caregiver intended to cause death, but it does require proof that the caregiver's conduct was culpably negligent.

In Florida, defendants charged with aggravated manslaughter of a child are subject to arraignment, bond hearings, and the standard criminal procedure applicable to first-degree felonies. The Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office prosecutes felony cases in the county, and the case will proceed through the Eleventh Judicial Circuit court system.

Fentanyl and other synthetic opioids

Overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids, particularly fentanyl and fentanyl analogs, have been a public health concern in Florida and nationally. The extreme potency of fentanyl makes it particularly dangerous, including for young children who may accidentally ingest small quantities left within reach.

Public health agencies have expanded distribution of naloxone, an overdose-reversal medication, and have supported education efforts about safe storage of medications and other substances in homes with children. Poison control resources are available around the clock through the Florida Poison Information Center Network.

Child protective services role

The Florida Department of Children and Families becomes involved in cases where children are harmed or at risk in caregiver contexts. Investigations by DCF proceed independently of criminal investigations, though the two often intersect. If additional children are in a home affected by such an incident, DCF may take steps to ensure their safety and wellbeing.

Child fatality review teams in Florida counties bring together medical, legal, and social service professionals to review deaths of children under specified circumstances. Their work aims to identify systemic issues and prevention opportunities.

Legal process

Defendants in Florida criminal cases are entitled to representation, and the Miami-Dade Public Defender's Office represents those who cannot afford private counsel. Boujolly will move through the standard criminal process, which includes an arraignment, discovery, motion practice, and either a plea resolution or a trial.

The presumption of innocence applies throughout the process. Convictions in Florida require proof beyond a reasonable doubt by the state, and the ultimate outcome depends on evidence developed and presented in court.

Broader context in Miami-Dade

Miami-Dade County is Florida's most populous county, and its law enforcement footprint includes the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office, the Miami Police Department, and multiple other municipal law enforcement agencies. The Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office, currently led by State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle, handles felony prosecutions across the county.

Cases involving child fatalities receive attention from prosecutors and courts, and the outcomes of such cases contribute to the broader public conversation about substance use, child safety, and criminal accountability.

Statewide context

FDLE's engagement in cases like this one reflects the agency's role as a coordinating body across Florida law enforcement. In addition to the S.A.F.E. Task Force, FDLE operates other specialized units addressing specific crime types, including task forces on human trafficking, cyber crime, and public corruption.

FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass leads the agency, which reports through the state's Cabinet oversight structure. State legislative appropriations fund the agency's operations, and the agency's leadership periodically appears before legislative committees on operational matters.

Prevention and support resources

Families and community members concerned about substance use in a household with children have several resources available. The Florida Department of Children and Families operates a hotline for reporting concerns about child safety. Substance use treatment providers and community organizations offer support for individuals struggling with substance use and their families.

The Florida Alcohol and Drug Abuse Association provides information about treatment resources across the state, and county-level agencies coordinate services in their jurisdictions. Health insurance plans, Medicaid, and public health programs cover various treatment options.

Community response

Cases involving the deaths of young children draw substantial community attention. Community members, advocacy organizations, and elected officials often engage with the specific circumstances of such cases and with broader questions about prevention and support systems.

Neighborhoods affected by substance use challenges often coordinate through community organizations, faith communities, and neighborhood associations to build support networks. Prevention programs targeting substance use often include components on child safety and family wellbeing.

Looking ahead

The case will proceed through the criminal justice system in the coming weeks and months. Court hearings, plea discussions, and any trial proceedings will unfold according to standard procedure. Public records will be available through the Clerk of the Circuit Court's docket system.

FDLE and its partner agencies will continue their work on similar cases as they arise. The broader work of prevention, treatment, and family support continues across the state, involving many agencies, organizations, and individuals committed to reducing the harm associated with substance use.

Notice

All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This article reports on the charges filed by law enforcement authorities. The disposition of the case will be determined through the criminal justice process.