A Fort Lee woman, Frances Caso, has been charged with aggravated manslaughter following the overdose death of a 12-year-old girl in her care.
Authorities found evidence of drug use and paraphernalia at the scene. Learn about the details of the case and the ongoing investigation.
- Frances Caso, a 48-year-old Fort Lee woman, is charged with aggravated manslaughter following the overdose death of a 12-year-old girl.
- Authorities discovered multiple drugs and paraphernalia at the scene, indicating a possible overdose.
- Caso faces multiple charges, including endangering the welfare of a child and drug possession.
Incident and Initial Response
On May 25, Fort Lee police responded to a distressing call from a home on Maple Street. They found a 12-year-old girl unresponsive.
Despite being rushed to Hackensack University Medical Center, the girl was pronounced dead. Authorities quickly suspected a drug overdose due to evidence found at the scene.
Charges Escalate in Fort Lee Overdose Case
The Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office launched an immediate investigation. They identified Frances Caso, 48, as a person of interest.
Caso, along with three other juveniles, was present at the time of the overdose.
A search of the residence revealed multiple controlled dangerous substances and drug paraphernalia.
Initially, Caso was charged with endangering the welfare of a child, possession of controlled substances, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
However, as the investigation progressed, authorities added a first-degree aggravated manslaughter charge.
Breakdown of Charges Against Frances Caso
Frances Caso’s charges are as follows:
- First-degree aggravated manslaughter
- Second-degree endangering the welfare of a child (one count)
- Third-degree endangering the welfare of a child (three counts)
- Third-degree drug possession (two counts)
- Fourth-degree possession of drug paraphernalia
Ongoing Legal Proceedings
Caso remains in the Bergen County Jail pending a detention hearing. The case has attracted much attention, and the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office is watching it closely.
Detectives from multiple units, including the Major Crimes Unit, Narcotic Task Force, and Special Victims Unit, collaborate with the Fort Lee Police Department.
The investigation is ongoing, and no additional information will be released until it concludes.
Fort Lee Community Reels from Tragic Incident
The tragic death of the young girl has shaken the Fort Lee community.
Local authorities urge residents to be vigilant and report suspicious activities, especially those involving juveniles and drugs.
