The father of an 18-month-old South Florida boy who died after overdosing on fentanyl and cocaine is speaking out in defense of the child’s mother, who is now facing an aggravated manslaughter charge in connection with the death.
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Cameron Boujolly died in January after investigators found fentanyl and cocaine in his system, according to a police report.
The child’s father, Jemelle, told NBC6 he is heartbroken over the loss of his son but believes the child’s mother, Pearlandria Boujolly, is being unfairly portrayed by investigators.
“They paint a picture like she was there with all this negligence around her child,” Jemelle said. “She’s a wonderful mother. She cares for her kids.”
According to Jemelle, Pearlandria Boujolly was at work at the time of the incident and had temporarily been staying with Cameron at an apartment in northwest Miami-Dade. He said another woman living at the residence would care for the children while Boujolly worked.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement said the toddler entered an unlocked room inside the home and ingested drugs he found there.
Cameron was later found cold and unresponsive in the living room by his mother.
Authorities said Miami Police and fire rescue responded around 3:50 a.m. back on Jan. 3 to an unresponsive male infant.
Earlier this month, authorities arrested Buojolly on an aggravated manslaughter charge in connection with her son’s death.
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Jemelle believes someone else should be held responsible.
“Aggravated manslaughter is just another form of murder,” he said. “She didn’t kill her child. She didn’t participate in her child’s death. She was at work. The neglect was on the adult who the child was left with.”
Records obtained by NBC6 also show that 20-year-old Richie Gregoire, who was living at the home, was arrested after investigators found nearly 70 grams of fentanyl in his bedroom. Gregoire has not been charged in connection with Cameron’s death, but he is considered a co-defendant in Buojolly’s arrest warrant.
Miami-Dade Police Detective Edwin Lopez described the child’s death as preventable, pointing to what investigators believe was negligence by the adults responsible for the child.
“This is a death that is avoidable,” Lopez said. “At the end of the day, the negligence of parents.”
Jemelle strongly disagrees with the allegations against Boujolly, saying she was a devoted mother.
“She is a real mother,” he said. “A real mother to her kids. No neglect. She does everything she can. It’s not right. The system ain’t hearing us out, but the truth will come out.”
Records also show Boujolly tested positive for marijuana, while Gregoire tested positive for marijuana and fentanyl.
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Both remain behind bars without bond as they await trial.