For Immediate Release
February 28, 2025
Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson today announced additional charges against a Kansas City man in connection with his infant son’s fatal fentanyl and methamphetamine poisoning that took place on the 2700 block of Quincy Avenue in Kansas City on January 28.
Terry Canady was originally charged with Endangering the Welfare of a Child in the 1st Degree, Abuse or Neglect of a Child, and two counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance. *
Yesterday, a grand jury indicted the defendant with Trafficking Drugs in the 2nd Degree, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm—Dangerous Felon/Prior Conviction, and Delivery of a Controlled Substance.
During the defendant’s arrest for the original charges, officers found a gun, fentanyl, and meth in his possession. The defendant was previously convicted of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm in 2019.
"We're seeing too many children's lives cut short due to negligence and substance misuse in our community. In our state in 2022, 43 children lost their lives due to fentanyl and of those, 20 were under the age of five. The overall number of fentanyl-related child fatalities also nearly doubled," said Prosecutor Johnson. "While our office will prosecute each of these cases to the fullest extent of the law, we also recognize and understand the complexities of addiction. My office is committed to balancing accountability and rehabilitation to address the root of the issue to ensure everyone in Jackson County has a chance at a successful life."
According to court records, Kansas City police were dispatched to a residence regarding an infant. The infant was later pronounced deceased. When officers searched the residence, they located a clear plastic torn baggie containing an unknown white substance inside, which later tested positive for meth. Camera footage also captured the defendant throwing away items into trash bins, later determined to be drug equipment with residue that tested positive for fentanyl.
Witnesses told police the defendant uses and sells meth and fentanyl.
The Jackson County Medical Examiner’s report revealed the victim tested positive for fentanyl and meth.
The defendant is being held on no bond.
*Charges are only accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until the defendant is either found guilty or pleads guilty.
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Media Contact:
Jazzlyn Johnson
Director of Communications
Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office
415 E 12th Street
Kansas City, MO - 64106
(816) 929-1289
jazzlyn.johnson@jacksongov.org
https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com