Virginia couple sentenced to 20 years each after baby girl dies from heroin, cocaine overdose

A Virginia judge has sentenced a Danville couple to 20 years in prison in the 2018 overdose death of their 2-month-old daughter, authorities said.

According to WFXR-TV, Eugene Chandler Jr., 27, and Shaleigh Brumfield, 26, both of Danville, each pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, child abuse/neglect and drug charges on Feb. 12, 15 months after their baby, Marleigh Chandler, died from cocaine and heroin intoxication.

On Nov. 24, 2018, Danville police and emergency crews responded to a report of an infant who couldn't breathe, according to court documents. The child, later identified as Marleigh, was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital, the Danville Register & Bee previously reported.

While searching the family's home, investigators discovered evidence of drug use, including marijuana and drug paraphernalia, WSET reported in June 2019. The Western District Office of the Chief Medical Examiner conducted an autopsy, which revealed that Marleigh died from "acute heroin and cocaine intoxication in a setting of co-sleeping," officials said.

After they serve their prison sentences, Chandler and Brumfield also must serve five years of probation, WFXR reported.