STROUDSBURG -- Mary Winbush, 57, was at a magistrate`s office in Stroudsburg Tuesday afternoon where she was charged with involuntary manslaughter, reckless endangerment, and numerous controlled substance offenses.
Police say four-year-old Janessa Davis, who had been in Winbush`s care since infancy, died of an overdose of oxycodone back in May at the home on North Second Street in Stroudsburg where Winbush used to live with the girl.
Officers later searched Winbush`s home and found her to be in possession of at least five different controlled substances, including oxycodone.
Authorities first came into contact with Winbush the morning of May 6 when Winbush called 911 saying Janessa, who she referred to as her granddaughter, would not wake up.
The Monroe County coroner later determined the girl had been dead for hours when EMTs arrived.
Winbush had told police the girl had been sick with a fever of 101 degrees.
She had been giving her over-the-counter medicine, but denied giving her any of those pills.
However, police say Winbush has a long history of using prescription pills and was the only one who knew where those pills were hidden in the house. She was the only one who had access to the child in the 12 hours leading up to her death.
“A four-year-old little girl overdosed on oxycodone whether accidentally given or purposely given and we believe it was purposely given to her because of the medical issues she was having,” said Det. Richard Wolbert with Stroud Area Regional Police.
Police say Winbush has no biological ties to the little girl, but say Janessa had lived with her since her birth and she was the girl`s primary caretaker.
Winbush was given $250,000 unsecured bail, meaning she is not locked up.
Investigators had requested that bail, saying Winbush has been cooperative throughout the investigation.
“She has been. She’s realized that this was going to be the final outcome, that charges were going to be filed,” said Det. Wolbert.
Winbush is scheduled to have a preliminary hearing January 5 in Stroudsburg.
