September 26, 2024 – The County of Los Angeles Department of Medical Examiner determined the cause of death for 3-year-old twin boys Josiah and Jestine James as fentanyl toxicity. The manner of death is accident.
On July 11, Josiah and Jestine were discovered unresponsive in their bed and transported to a local hospital. Death was pronounced for Josiah the same day at 1157 hours; Jestine was pronounced on July 14 at 0048 hours.
Examinations were completed on July 17 for both Josiah and Jestine, and after the receipt of relevant test and study results, the cause and manner of death were certified on September 26.
The Medical Examiner’s reports are expected to be ready by October 25. Media representatives interested in obtaining a copy of the report can email pio@me.lacounty.gov, if you have not done so already. All other requests for the report should be submitted online.
The Medical Examiner case number for Josiah is 2024-11034 and Jestine is 2024-11172.
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