PHILIPPI, WV (LOOTPRESS) — A Barbour County overdose investigation has led to a felony charge after authorities say a child was left alone inside a home where drugs were present.
According to the Barbour County Sheriff’s Office, officers responded around 8:25 p.m. on March 23, 2026, after learning of an overdose at a residence on West Spall Lick Road near Philippi. One individual, identified as Junior Collins, was later pronounced dead at Broaddus Hospital. Another individual, Jessica Blake, was reportedly unconscious upon arrival at the hospital.
Authorities say the couple’s child had been inside the home at the time of the overdose but was not present at the hospital. Deputies went to the residence to locate the child and found the front door standing open. While conducting a safety check of the home, officers observed drug-related items inside but were initially unable to locate the child.
Investigators later learned the child had been taken to a relative’s home by a third party who transported Blake to the hospital. Emergency crews were called to evaluate the child, who was subsequently taken to Broaddus Hospital for a medical check.
During the investigation, deputies discovered a bag containing approximately 10.5 grams of suspected methamphetamine in the driveway outside the home. A search warrant was later executed at the residence, where officers reported finding suspected marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and substances believed to be methamphetamine and fentanyl inside the home — including near the area where the child sleeps.
Authorities allege the child was left unsupervised while both parents were incapacitated due to the overdose, creating a potentially dangerous environment.
Jessica Blake has been charged with one count of child neglect creating risk of injury, a felony offense under West Virginia law. If convicted, she could face between one and 10 years in prison.
The incident remains under investigation.
