LAPD

Winnetka mom arrested for murder after 3-year-old son dies from apparent overdose

The mother of the boys found them unresponsive, authorities said.

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A Winnetka mother of twin toddlers was arrested for murder after her sons were found unconscious at their home, the Los Angeles Police Department said Friday.

When officers with the LAPD Topanga station responded to their house in the 20000 block of Sherman Way Thursday at around 11:20 a.m., they found the two 3-year-old boys unresponsive. 

After the children were taken to a hospital, one of the twins was pronounced dead while the other remained in critical condition, the LAPD said. 

Chris Burko lives nearby and said he rushed into the apartment to help when he heard screaming.

 “Trying to save two kids, one died, it sucks, really sucks. I would have loved to have saved both of them," said Burko.

He performed CPR until the Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics arrived around 11:20 am.

Investigators believe the children had ingested some sort of substance.

The mother, who was identified as 22-year-old Jestice James, appeared to have shared the home with other residents. She along with her roommates were questioned by the LAPD.

James, who was later arrested and booked for murder, was being held for $2 million bail Friday.

Investigators are expecting to see the toxicology report on Monday, to gain a better idea of what happened to the two twin toddlers.

Anyone with information was urged to contact the LAPD. 

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