Pottsville Mother Charged with Murder After Premature Child Dies from Fentanyl Poisoning

A former Pottsville woman is facing murder and involuntary manslaughter charges after investigators say her premature child died from fentanyl poisoning.

According to Pottsville Police, on Monday, November 21st, 2023, The Pottsville Bureau of Police Detective Division filed a criminal complaint through Magistrate James Reiley charging Ashley Capiga, 34, formerly of Pottsville with Murder, Involuntary Manslaughter, Endangering the welfare of children, Drug Delivery Resulting in death, Aggravated Assault of an unborn child as a result of an on-going investigation that began on September 25, 2023. 

On that date, Capiga entered the LVHN-East hospital due to complications with her pregnancy. 

Capiga delivered premature child that was approximately 31 weeks which was pronounced deceased on this date. 

The premature child was taken to the Dauphin County Coroner’s office where he was forensically examined by Dr. Wayne Ross. 

As a result of Dr. Wayne Ross medical examination on the premature child, toxicology results from the deceased child along with toxicology results received from Capiga on the date of her delivery, Dr. Ross ruled the cause of death as Intrauterine Fetal Demise due to Acute Fentanyl toxicity with the manner of death being ruled as a Homicide. 

Capiga was arraigned before Magisterial District Judge James Reiley who set bail at $10,000(unsecured). Capiga was returned to Schuylkill County Prison where she had been incarcerated at due to a prior unrelated matter.