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Peoria woman sentenced to 3-year prison term for infant son's overdose death

A gavel rests on a judge's bench in a blurry courtroom. The text "WCBU Courts" sits on top of that photo.

A Peoria woman was sentenced to three years in prison Thursday after she was found at fault for her infant son's fatal overdose death in July.

Zenai Wolford, 19, pleaded guilty to one count of endangering the life or health of a child; 9-month-old Kaine Santana H. Wolford died from fentanyl intoxication.

Prosecutors said the drugs fell out of Wolford's clothing and into the crib, unbeknown to her. The baby then ingested the drugs.

The Peoria County Coroner's Office ruled the death a homicide. But in a statement, the Peoria County State's Attorney's Office said they couldn't file murder charges because Wolford didn't know she lost the drugs in the crib.

Wolford will get credit for 74 days she's already served in the Peoria County Jail. She is eligible for day-for-day credit that could reduce her sentence in half if she stays on good behavior in prison.

Tim is the News Director at WCBU Peoria Public Radio.