Woman in Court after Drugging Nephew

WXYZ: Local News

Michigan - A woman accused of injecting her nephew with heroin was in court, Tuesday, charged with serious drug crimes.

In late January, the 12-year-old was eating in his bedroom when his aunt, Jaqueline Vuich, injected him with heroin.

Family members said he was unresponsive and took him to the hospital in critical condition. When blood tests revealed a heroin overdose the hospital called police.

Investigators said tips led them to find Vuich at her sister’s house. She attempted to sneak out the side door, but was caught.

A neighbor, who didn’t want to be identified, said she had called child protective services three times because she was concerned there was drug use or prostitution going on in the house.

"It’s just absolutely terrible. I was always worried about the kids. When you get 2-year-olds, 3-year-olds not dressed in the winter outside. Being in pools with no supervision. I never was in the house, but I could only imagine what was going on inside that I didn’t see," she said.

Tuesday in court, Vuich told the judge she has had lots of issues since she was little. Investigators said she has a lengthy criminal history involving drugs.

The 12-year-old lived in Warren with his grandmother and three other children, all four are now with child protective services.

Vuich is locked up and faces up to 40 years in prison. Investigators do not have a clear motive for the crime.

By Anu Prakash