PICKAWAY COUNTY, Ohio — An Ohio mother has been arrested following the fentanyl-related death of her 17-month-old daughter, a case that has also led to criminal charges against the child’s grandmother over alleged violations of a court-ordered custody arrangement.
Brittany Stroud, 30, was arrested Tuesday morning by officers with the Columbus Division of Police, according to the Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities allege that she was caring for her daughter without supervision despite a court order prohibiting such contact.
The child’s grandmother, Tammy Stroud, 52, who had legal custody, is also accused of contributing to the circumstances surrounding the toddler’s death.
Child Found Unresponsive
The investigation began on October 13, 2026, when deputies responded to an apartment in the 7800 block of High Street in Orient, Ohio.
Emergency crews were dispatched around 11:15 a.m. after receiving a report that a young girl was not breathing.
Paramedics transported the child to Nationwide Children’s Hospital, where medical personnel pronounced her dead.
An autopsy conducted the following day revealed a fatal amount of fentanyl in the toddler’s system.
The discovery prompted investigators to examine the child’s living conditions, custody arrangements and possible exposure to illegal drugs inside the residence.
Mother Taken Into Custody
When deputies arrived at the apartment, Brittany identified herself as the child’s mother.
Investigators subsequently discovered that a court order prohibited Brittany from having unsupervised contact with her daughter.
Legal custody had previously been awarded to the child’s maternal grandmother, Tammy Stroud.
Authorities allege that Brittany was alone with the toddler when the incident occurred, despite the restrictions.
Following the investigation, Brittany was charged with involuntary manslaughter, child endangerment and possession of a controlled substance.
Columbus police arrested her Tuesday morning, more than a week after the criminal charges were filed.
Child’s Medical History
Court records reveal that concerns about the toddler’s safety began shortly after her birth.
According to documents from Circleville Municipal Court, Franklin County Children Services (FCCS) had maintained an open case involving Brittany because of substance exposure during pregnancy.
The child was born prematurely and diagnosed with neonatal abstinence syndrome, a condition that can occur when newborns experience withdrawal after exposure to certain drugs before birth.
Medical tests reportedly detected fentanyl and cocaine in the infant’s system.
Because of these concerns, child welfare officials initially placed the baby with a foster family.
She remained in foster care until December 2025, when custody was transferred to Tammy.
The arrangement was intended to provide the child with a stable living environment while limiting her mother’s contact.
Custody Rules Ignored
Investigators allege that the grandmother failed to follow the conditions established by the court.
On October 13, Tammy reportedly left for work while Brittany remained at the apartment with the child.
Court documents indicate that Tammy knew about her daughter’s longstanding history of substance use.
Child welfare officials had previously expressed concerns that Brittany might be living at the residence.
During earlier visits, caseworkers reportedly observed her inside the home, raising questions about whether the custody restrictions were being followed.
According to investigators, FCCS was already attempting to remove the toddler from her grandmother’s care.
The agency also reported difficulties obtaining accurate information from Tammy about Brittany’s living arrangements.
Emergency Call Details
A recording of the 911 call obtained by 10 Investigates revealed additional information about the morning of the child’s death.
During the conversation, Brittany told dispatchers that her daughter had entered the room where she was sleeping several hours earlier.
She estimated that the toddler came into the room around 5 a.m. or 6 a.m., shortly after her grandmother left for work.
However, court records indicate that Brittany did not contact emergency services until approximately 11 a.m., after waking up.
During the call, the dispatcher asked whether CPR might help the child.
Brittany responded that she did not believe resuscitation would be effective.
Investigators reviewed the emergency call while examining the timeline leading up to the toddler’s death.
Second Child’s Drug Exposure
Court records also describe concerns involving another child born to Brittany.
According to information provided by FCCS, Brittany gave birth to a second baby in May 2026.
Doctors reportedly diagnosed that newborn with neonatal abstinence syndrome.
The baby was subsequently placed in the custody of the child’s biological father.
Investigators also cited statements indicating that Brittany had acknowledged using fentanyl daily.
Court documents describe her explanation that she continued using the drug because she experienced sickness associated with withdrawal.
These details added to the concerns previously documented by child welfare authorities.
Grandmother Charged
Tammy Stroud surrendered to the Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office on October 18, 2026.
She was charged with complicity to involuntary manslaughter, complicity to child endangerment and complicity to possession of a controlled substance.
Following her arraignment, a judge established her bond at $250,000.
Her case was later transferred to Pickaway County Common Pleas Court for further proceedings.
The charges reflect allegations that Tammy knowingly allowed circumstances that violated the court’s custody restrictions.
Mother Faces $500,000 Bond
Brittany appeared in court Tuesday afternoon following her arrest.
A judge set her bond at $500,000, and her next hearing was scheduled for November 6, 2026.
The case has drawn attention to the challenges surrounding child protection, parental substance abuse and compliance with court-ordered custody arrangements.
Investigators have documented the child’s fatal fentanyl exposure, previous welfare agency involvement and alleged violations of supervision requirements.
However, the precise circumstances of the toddler’s exposure remain a matter for the legal proceedings.
Both Brittany and Tammy Stroud are facing criminal charges, and the allegations against them have not been proven in court.
The upcoming hearings will determine how the cases proceed as authorities seek accountability for the death of the 17-month-old girl.
