Her son, 14, died of an overdose. Now, Bolivar nurse is charged with murder

A Bolivar woman was charged with murder Friday after police say her son overdosed on prescription drugs that she stole.

Danielle Baker, 41, was charged with second-degree murder and four other felonies after police say her 14-year-old son died last week.

According to a probable cause statement used to charge Baker, Bolivar police were dispatched to a home on West Broadway Street on Tuesday after Baker's 14-year-old son had gone into cardiac arrest.

The boy was pronounced dead at the scene.

The statement says the boy likely died of a drug overdose.

Detectives recovered a bottle of morphine sulfate at the home, which had a torn label, according to the statement.

Baker admitted to police she stole the medication from her place of employment, Citizens Memorial Healthcare Facility, according to the statement.

The statement says the morphine was prescribed to a patient who had recently died. Hospital records showed the medication had been destroyed, but really Baker brought it home, according to the statement.

During their investigation, police say they found other evidence of prescription drug abuse in the boy's room — like an empty bottle and syringe with residue.

Authorities say Baker brought medications home from the health care facility even though she knew her son had a substance abuse problem.

The statement says the boy had received substance abuse treatment twice in the past.

Prosecutors are charging Baker with what's known as felony murder. To secure a conviction, prosecutors must show the defendant committed a felony and that led to someone's death. In this case, the felony is possession of a controlled substance.

Baker has also been charged with endangering the welfare of a child, tampering with physical evidence and stealing.

Baker is being held in the Polk County Jail on $150,000 bond. She does not have an attorney listed in this case.

Citizens Memorial Hospital said in a statement that Baker has been fired. Here is the full statement:

"CMH is cooperating with the Bolivar PD in their investigation. Ms. Baker was a registered nurse at Citizens Memorial Health Care Facility. She has been terminated.

CMH has specific policies and protocols established for the disposal of unused patient medication. Our (preliminary) review of the documentation shows that all procedures were followed by the facility.

This is an active investigation. Additional details are not available."

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