Pair denied bond after Appling child dies from fentanyl, tranquilizer

APPLING, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - Two women were denied bond in Columbia County after a 13-month-old child died after having illegal narcotics in his system, according to officials.

The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office says that on February 29, they responded to the 2400 block of Jordon Drive in Appling about the death of a 13-month-old baby around 1:19 a.m.

When deputies arrived, they met Mitra Ellzey, 31, who was holding her baby at the end of the driveway, and she handed the baby to them, stating he wasn’t breathing.

Deputies say they immediately began R and continued until EMS arrived on the scene.

EMS attempted for a short time and immediately transported him to Augusta University, when they left, deputies spoke with Ellzey.

Ellzey told officials she had been cleaning up the house and trying her sister out while at work.

She stated the child was crawling around the floor while she was cleaning, when she was done they both went to sleep, officials say.

Ellzey says she and her oldest daughter got into the bed with the baby once she fell asleep.

She woke up around 1:15 a.m. to check on her, but she was lying face down and not breathing, she told officials.

Ellzey then says she immediately went to the kitchen to put water on her to wake her up.

After multiple unsuccessful attempts she called 911, she told deputies.

When asked if the baby could have gotten into the cleaning supplies, she said she didn’t see that happen, however, she saw white powder on the child’s hands thinking it was dust, according to officials.

On May 14, the GBI toxicology report came back and showed that the infant had illegal narcotics in its system (Fentanyl and Xylazine), according to authorities.

The GBI toxicologist and medical examiner both stated the amount was more than enough to kill the infant and was the cause of death.

At that time, the investigation continued into the residence and occupants, officials say.

It was determined that Deangela Belton, 37, was the tenant, and her niece, Ellzey, was residing with her, according to officials.

After several interviews and search warrants, it was determined that Belton and Ellzey were both responsible for the illegal narcotics inside the residence, officials say.

Authorities state the evidence was presented to the District Attorney’s Office and the decision was made to secure a warrant for murder in the second degree for Belton and Ellzey.

Belton is currently in custody on other charges and Ellzey has been taken into custody for this warrant, according to officials.

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