Federal authorities have charged two individuals in connection with the death of a 4-year-old boy in Brooklyn, New York, who died in March of 2025 from fentanyl exposure.
Details of the Case
Yitzchok Sklar and Ahuva Katzin now face federal charges of conspiracy to distribute narcotics resulting in death. The 4-year-old boy was with Sklar and Katzin at the time of the exposure. Sklar had previously been charged, along with the boy’s mother, Miriam Elkayam, with abandonment of a child and criminal possession of a controlled substance in state court.
Law enforcement recovered the bag in a nearby car, where it was found to contain fentanyl and heroin. The federal charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in prison, with a potential maximum sentence of life in prison.
Potential Next Steps
If convicted, Sklar and Katzin could face significant prison sentences. A trial will likely be scheduled to determine guilt or innocence. Further investigation may reveal additional details about the source of the narcotics and any potential co-conspirators.
Frequently Asked Questions
What charges were initially filed in this case?
Sklar and Elkayam were previously charged in state court with abandonment of a child and criminal possession of a controlled substance.
What is the potential penalty if Sklar and Katzin are convicted on the federal charges?
The charge of conspiracy to distribute narcotics resulting in death carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison.
What was found in the bag recovered by law enforcement?
The bag contained fentanyl and heroin.
How does this case highlight the dangers of fentanyl exposure, particularly for young children?
