Ocean gate mother charged after toddler dies with methadone in system — Photo 15576267 © Gunnar3000 | Dreamstime.com

OCEAN GATE, NJ — A 32-year-old woman has been charged with endangering the welfare of a child after her 2-year-old daughter was found with methadone in her system and later died, authorities announced Tuesday.

Prosecutors said Jenna O’Connor of Ocean Gate called 911 on July 17 after finding her daughter unresponsive in her crib. The child was rushed to Community Medical Center in Toms River and later airlifted to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, where she died on July 21.

Medical tests conducted while the child was hospitalized revealed the presence of methadone in her system. Investigators determined O’Connor was home and responsible for the child’s care between July 16 and 17 and that methadone was accessible in the residence.

O’Connor was taken into custody without incident on July 22 and lodged in the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.

Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges may follow.

Chris Quigley Latest posts

Chris Quigley is a Staff Writer and Community News Correspondent for Shore News Network, where she covers local government, public safety, community affairs, politics, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey. Her reporting focuses on delivering timely, accurate, and relevant news that helps readers stay informed about the communities in which they live and work.

As a member of the Shore News Network editorial team, Quigley works closely with public officials, community leaders, first responders, and local organizations to provide factual coverage of breaking news, municipal government, public policy, and events affecting New Jersey residents. Her work highlights both major developments and the local stories that shape communities across the state.

Quigley is committed to responsible journalism, emphasizing accuracy, source verification, and transparency in every story she reports. She strives to present information in a clear and accessible manner, helping readers better understand the issues, decisions, and events that impact their daily lives.

Through her work at Shore News Network, Chris Quigley contributes to the organization's mission of providing trusted local news coverage, accountability reporting, and community-focused journalism throughout New Jersey.

Chris Quigley is a graduate of Stockton State University and began her career at IN Jersey, the online news and media branch of the Asbury Park Press. She also worked at Monmouth Internet, the Ocean Signal Newspaper, and JTOWN Magazine during her career in both content management and operations.

Degrees: Business B.A. - Stockton University

Experience and interests: Criminal Justice, Business, Animal Care, Entertainment, Lottery News, Local News