Content warning: This story discusses the death of a child and alleged drug exposure. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use, consider reaching out to local health services or a trusted support line in your area.
A Florida mother is speaking out after the death of her 2-year-old son, saying she wants justice and lasting accountability. The case centers on alleged fentanyl exposure and has led to manslaughter charges against two people the mother says she trusted.
The report, published by KOLD and credited to WCJB/Gray News, identifies the mother as Destinee Martin and her son as Kayson. Martin says she is still living with the shock of losing her child and the pain of waking up to a reality she never expected.
What the mother says happened
According to the report, Martin says she was in a difficult housing period and relied on family support at times to care for her son. She said it was not unusual for Kayson to stay overnight with his grandmother.
But in this situation, Martin says she wanted to keep her son that evening. She told reporters that Kayson’s grandmother left with him when Martin went inside briefly. Martin says she felt helpless in that moment and did not have enough information to immediately call authorities.
“Dreaming that Kayson is there and waking up … and he’s not there is horrible,” Martin said in the report.
Who has been charged
The report says two people have been charged with manslaughter in connection with the child’s death:
- Katheryn Mills, 44 (identified as Kayson’s grandmother)
- Darrin Carr, 39
As with all criminal cases, charges are allegations. The court process will determine guilt or innocence.
Timeline described in the report
The news report lays out a short timeline of events tied to April 2024:
- April 16, 2024: Investigators say Mills and Carr took Kayson for the night.
- April 17, 2024: The child was found unresponsive, according to the arrest report cited in the story.
- He was taken to a hospital but died two days later, the report says.
Martin told reporters she rushed to the hospital in panic and disbelief. “I went to the hospital with shampoo in my hair. I just lost it,” she said, according to the report.
Cause of death and allegations
The report states the boy’s cause of death was fentanyl exposure. It also says investigators accuse Mills and Carr of using fentanyl in the car and in bed near the child.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid. Even small amounts can be dangerous, especially for children. Cases involving exposure are often investigated closely because the risks are so severe and the circumstances can be complex.
Where the child was taken
Martin told reporters the plan was for her son to be taken to a home in Fanning Springs. She says instead he was taken to a house in Old Town, Florida.
According to the report, Martin said she did not want her son at that Old Town home. She described the house as rundown and said it was not a stable place to live. She said she had lived there previously with Kayson’s father.
A mother’s grief and the search for accountability
Martin also expressed guilt, saying she blames herself “a little bit” and wishes she could change what happened. At the same time, she says she believes the adults involved should be held responsible.
“I miss him so much,” she said in the report.
The story describes Kayson as a joyful child who brought happiness to the people around him. Martin said she had been working toward a more stable environment for her son. Now, she says, her focus is on keeping those charged behind bars.
Why stories like this matter
Across the US, fentanyl has changed what “drug safety” means for families. These cases are not only about criminal charges. They also raise public health questions, including how communities prevent exposure, how caregivers get support, and how fast warnings reach the people most at risk.
Prevention steps often shared by health agencies include safe storage of any medication, avoiding unknown substances, and keeping children away from any environment where drug use may occur. Communities also stress access to overdose-reversal medication (like naloxone) and training for families and caregivers.
What happens next
Since Mills and Carr have been charged with manslaughter, the case will likely proceed through hearings, evidence review, and court dates. Additional information may be released through public records, court filings, or law enforcement statements.
For now, Martin says she is living with the loss and trying to turn her grief into action. Her message is simple: she wants justice for her son.
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