Interventional cardiologist Dr. Craig Basman has raised concerns about the addictive risks associated with kratom, a plant that originates from Southeast Asia. He delves into how the compound 7-OH, found in concentrated kratom products, interacts with opioid receptors. This interaction mirrors the effects of potent drugs such as fentanyl and morphine. As a result, users may face severe dependence, the potential for overdose, and challenging withdrawal symptoms.
In a recent incident in Florida, a father and the mother of his children face serious charges following a tragedy involving their 2-year-old daughter, Jonnie Jordan. Jerome Jonathon Jordan, aged 35, and Charlene Rea O’Connell, aged 32, were charged with aggravated manslaughter of a child and child neglect causing great bodily harm. These charges were brought forth by the West Melbourne Police Department after Jonnie’s untimely death.
The incident unfolded more than two months prior, on May 18, when Jonnie was taken to Holmes Regional Medical Center in Melbourne. Unfortunately, hospital personnel declared her dead shortly after her arrival.
Both Jerome Jordan and Charlene O’Connell are now being held at the Brevard County Jail on several charges, including aggravated manslaughter of a child.
Authorities disclosed that the tragedy took place the night before the hospitalization at O’Connell’s home in Palm Bay. Jonnie allegedly accessed kratom pills belonging to Jordan and O’Connell. Police suspect the toddler consumed as many as two-and-a-half pills before her parents noticed the error.
Upon noticing Jonnie’s lips turning blue and her experiencing a seizure along with abnormal breathing, the adults, instead of seeking immediate medical help, are alleged to have refrained from calling emergency services. The West Melbourne Police Department, following a thorough investigation into Jonnie’s death, announced the arrests.
Authorities reported that Jordan later drove Jonnie to his sister’s apartment in West Melbourne, where he put her to bed. Hours later, upon finding the unresponsive toddler, he rushed her to the hospital. Despite desperate attempts, doctors declared her dead soon after arrival. During the initial hospital visit, Jordan’s insistence on using Narcan led detectives to suspect an overdose early in their probe.
The Brevard County Medical Examiner’s Office attributed Jonnie’s death to acute mitragynine intoxication. Kratom, a substance derived from tropical tree leaves native to Southeast Asia, is often marketed in powders, capsules, gums, and drinks. Although some use it for its stimulant properties or pain relief, federal health organizations have consistently warned against its safety risks.
Even while kratom remains legal at the federal level, the Drug Enforcement Administration recently initiated steps to temporarily classify high-potency 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) products and related synthetic compounds under Schedule I. This reflects their considerable potential for abuse and opioid-like effects.
Natural kratom leaf products are not affected by this action. Following months of investigation and the medical examiner’s findings, both Jordan and O’Connell were apprehended and are held without bond in the Brevard County Jail.
Furthermore, Jordan’s sister, at whose apartment Jonnie was taken after leaving O’Connell’s home, faces no charges in this incident.