AKRON, OH (WOIO) –
Detectives in Akron have charged four adults in the death of baby boy.
17-month-old Patrick Lerch was found unresponsive February 26th at 11PM by his mother, Heather at their home on St. Leger Avenue. The child was immediately transported to Akron Children’s Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Responding officers arrived at the home and found an active meth lab in the basement.
Medical officials say baby Patrick died of Methamphetamine Intoxication due to the inhalation of chemicals during his abuse and neglect. His death has been ruled a homicide. “Basically, this baby was inhaling chemicals being cooked in this house” says Akron Police Lt. Rick Edwards
Patrick ingested methamphetamine during period of abuse and neglect. Detectives charged Patrick’s mother, Heather Lerch, Ronald S. Legg, 22, Randy L. Legg, 19, and Allen Ray Kostra, 24, all of St. Leger Avenue, in the death.
Heather Lerch and Ronald Legg were charged with Murder and Felony Child Endangering. Randy Legg and Allen Kostra were charged with Manslaughter.
They are all currently in the Summit County Jail on drug charges pertaining to the meth lab found at the house.
Akron Police tell 19 Action News meth labsare popping up all over the Akron area. Just this year, there have been 40 meth lab busts.
Article Courtesy of WOIO 19 Action News
