Kansas woman pleads guilty to manslaughter in fentanyl death of 3-year-old
By Nick Sloan
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LEAVENWORTH, Kansas (KMBC) — A Leavenworth woman has pleaded guilty in connection with the fentanyl-related death of a 3-year-old child.
Tara Ann Huerta, 40, pleaded guilty Wednesday in Leavenworth County District Court to one count of involuntary manslaughter and one count of aggravated endangering a child.
Charges were filed following a March 25, 2025, when a 3-year-old child, who was in Huerta’s care, died from acute fentanyl toxicity.
Court records allege Huerta acted recklessly and allowed the child to be placed in a situation that endangered the child’s life and health.
Prosecutors say the case also involves the child’s mother, 30-year-old Briana Davis.
On Jan. 21, 2026, Davis pleaded no contest and was found guilty of abandonment of a child, aggravated battery, and endangering a child after investigators said she left the child with Huerta, knowing the child could be harmed.
Huerta’s then-boyfriend is also facing charges connected to the case.
He has not been convicted yet.
“Fentanyl can be fatal,” Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson said. “Even a small amount can kill, especially a child. Those entrusted with a child’s care have the utmost responsibility to protect them. When that responsibility is ignored, the consequences can be devastating.”
Huerta is scheduled to be sentenced on March 27.
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