Akron mom stands trial in son’s meth death

AKRON (AP) — A 21-year-old Ohio woman is standing trial this week in connection with the methamphetamine poisoning death of her toddler son.

Heather M. Lerch is one of four defendants charged in the drug-related death last winter of 17-month-old Patrick Nicholas Lerch.

The Akron Beacon Journal reports that police found the toddler unresponsive when they answered a call to the house Feb. 26. He died later at a hospital. An autopsy said the cause of death was methamphetamine poisoning during a period of neglect and abuse.

Police said a methamphetamine lab was found in the basement.

Lerch is facing 13 felony charges, including murder, involuntary manslaughter, complicity to commit murder and drug offenses, in connection with her son’s death in a suspected drug house.