Authorities say a Pennsylvania couple now faces third-degree murder charges after investigators determined a toddler died from methamphetamine toxicity inside a home described as freezing, unsanitary, and without basic utilities.
Mount Pleasant Township, PA – A man and woman from Acme are facing third-degree murder charges after state police say a 15-month-old child died from methamphetamine toxicity inside a home without heat, electricity, running water, or edible food.
Key Points
- Two adults were charged with third-degree murder following the death of a 15-month-old child.
- Investigators say the home had no heat, electricity, or running water, with an indoor temperature of 28 degrees.
- The child died from acute methamphetamine toxicity, according to an autopsy.
Pennsylvania State Police charged Michael Blasser, 34, and Ashley Makarsky, 31, in connection with the child’s death after troopers responded to a home on Crestview Drive in Mount Pleasant Township in February 2025 for an unresponsive child.
When troopers arrived, they began performing CPR on the toddler, who was described as pale, blue, and unresponsive. The child was transported to a local hospital, where life-saving efforts failed and the child was pronounced dead.
Investigators later determined the child had died significantly earlier than when the 911 call was placed, based on the victim’s internal body temperature.
Investigators describe dangerous home conditions
During the investigation, troopers reported the residence lacked running water, electricity, or heat. Police said there was also no sign of edible food in the home.
According to investigators, the temperature inside the residence measured about 28 degrees. Troopers also reported the home was filled with feces, urine, and garbage.
While speaking with Blasser and Makarsky at the scene, state police believed both adults appeared to be under the influence of illicit substances. Blood tests conducted the same day showed both tested positive for methamphetamine and amphetamine, according to investigators.
Autopsy reveals methamphetamine toxicity
An autopsy conducted by the Westmoreland County Coroner’s Office determined the 15-month-old died from acute methamphetamine toxicity.
Authorities also removed another child from the residence during the investigation. Children and Youth Services took emergency custody of the child.
A urine test performed on that child tested positive for norfentanyl, a metabolite of fentanyl, indicating the child had recently ingested fentanyl.
Blasser and Makarsky were arraigned Monday on charges including third-degree murder, involuntary manslaughter, and endangering the welfare of children. Both were remanded to the Westmoreland County Prison after failing to post $1 million bail.
