Some stories leave a heavy ache in the heart, especially when they involve children. That is what happened in Los Angeles, where a normal summer day turned into a heartbreaking tragedy for a pair of three-year-old twins. An emergency call brought police to their home — and what they found changed everything.

Paramedics discovered little Josiah and Jestine unresponsive inside the apartment. They were rushed to the hospital, but it was already too late. Josiah passed away that night, and his brother died two days later. Soon after, investigators uncovered what caused their sudden collapse.

Prosecutors say the boys were exposed to fentanyl inside their home, a powerful drug now linked to a growing number of child deaths. Their mother, 22-year-old Jestice James, has been charged with murder and child abuse. Officials note this is the first case in Los Angeles County where a parent has been charged in a fentanyl-related child death.

In court, James appeared overwhelmed, fighting back tears as her family whispered their support from the audience. Relatives insist she loved her sons deeply and would never intentionally place them in harm’s way. They shared photos of two smiling, energetic boys who had just celebrated their third birthday days earlier.

Prosecutors, however, point out that most child fentanyl exposures happen in the home — the very place meant to protect them. As the investigation continues, the family hopes this tragedy will warn others about the deadly risk.

Two young lives were lost far too soon, and a family is left searching for strength, healing, and answers that may take a lifetime to find.