NEWS RELEASE 23-031 - JUNE 23, 2023
The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office arrested a local couple in connection with the death of their infant daughter on May 31.
At approximately 5:12 p.m., deputies responded to a residence in the area of I-75 and Bee Ridge Road in reference to the death of an eight-month-old infant. The infant had been reportedly found unresponsive and transported to Doctors Hospital by the infant’s father, Nicholas Alexander, and a friend who drove them.
Deputies determined that the infant had been in the care of Carissa Alexander, the infant’s mother, when the infant was observed face-down on couch cushions inside the residence. Further investigation determined the infant had not been checked on from 10:30 a.m. to approximately 4:45 p.m. when Nicholas returned from work later that day.
Nicholas and Carissa Alexander were detained, and search warrants were executed for blood and urine samples as both showed signs of impairment during questioning.
An autopsy revealed the infant had been dead for several hours and tested positive for lethal amounts of Fentanyl.
Nicholas and Carissa Alexander are each charged with aggravated manslaughter of a child and are being held without bond at the Sarasota County Correctional Facility.