The tragic case of Grei Mendez, the owner of Divino Niño Daycare, reached its grim conclusion on March 3, 2025, when she was sentenced to 45 years in prison for her role in the fentanyl poisoning death of 1-year-old Nicholas Feliz Dominici. The case has sent shockwaves throughout the Bronx and beyond, shedding light on the growing fentanyl epidemic and the vulnerabilities of childcare settings.
Nicholas, who died on September 15, 2023, ingested fentanyl concealed beneath floor tiles of the daycare, leading prosecutors to label it not just as negligence, but as involvement in drug trafficking driven by greed and disregard for the children’s safety. "It is not possible to forgive something like this. Forty-five years is not enough," said Zoila Dominici, Nicholas’s mother, addressing the court with palpable grief and anger.
During sentencing, Mendez, 37, scarcely made eye contact with the bereaved family, who were visibly distressful as they recounted their devastating loss. Otoniel Feliz, Nicholas’s father, expressed his anguish, stating, "We didn’t just lose Nicholas. We lost our life." Their collective heartache echoed the sentiments of many parents who struggle daily to protect their children from the dangers of drugs, particularly fentanyl—a substance known for its potent lethality, especially among vulnerable populations such as toddlers.
Mendez, who had previously pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to distribute narcotics resulting in death, did little to help when the first signs of crisis occurred. Prosecutors revealed alarming details during the trial: she had Narcan, the life-saving opioid overdose reversal medication, readily available yet failed to administer it as Nicholas lay unresponsive. "She had the key to helping these children, and she didn’t use it," remarked federal prosecutor Maggie Lynaugh, emphasizing Mendez’s crippling failure to act.
While Judge Jed Rakoff acknowledged Mendez’s own troubled past, he underscored her culpability, stating, "You prioritized your own fear over the opportunity to save a life." This condemnation was echoed by the heartbreaking testimony of Nicholas’s parents, determined to depict the immeasurable pain caused by such reckless negligence. The courtroom was filled with tension as the Dominici family relived the day their son was taken from them due to Mendez’s choices.
The findings from the investigation revealed appalling truths about the daycare’s operations. Authorities discovered more than 11 kilograms of fentanyl and other narcotics hidden beneath play area tiles—the same space where infants napped and played. Investigators uncovered drug-manufacturing equipment alongside children’s toys, crafting an unsettling picture of Mendez’s dual life as both caregiver and alleged drug trafficker.
This case illuminates the dangers associated with the opioid crisis, particularly the threat of fentanyl, which is estimated to be 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. Recent statistics have drawn attention to the increased number of fatal overdoses, especially among younger populations. Mendez’s actions not only endangered children at her daycare but also raised alarms about the regulatory oversight of childcare facilities.
Following the sentencing, discussions mounted about ensuring stricter scrutiny for daycares, particularly those operating under false pretenses. Childcare Aware, an organization dedicated to promoting safe early childhood education, expressed its commitment to advocating for comprehensive safety and security reforms. "This is the worst nightmare any mother could face," Zoila Dominici shared, noting the haunting nature of their loss and the desire for systemic changes to prevent such tragedies.
Mendez's husband, Felix Herrera Garcia, who fled the scene with bags of narcotics, was sentenced to the same length of imprisonment after pleading guilty to related charges, establishing a clear link between the operation of the daycare and their shared criminal activities. Mendez’s counsel claimed she was not the principal organizer of the drug enterprise, indicating her husband bore more responsibility. Nevertheless, her accountability was undeniable, as authorities outlined her role within the operation.
Alluding to his own personal loss, Judge Rakoff shared the emotional turmoil he faced when his brother was murdered, underscoring the devastation left behind by such reckless actions. "The glory of the law is not to ignore emotions but to put them in broader perspective," he remarked, articulately framing Mendez’s sentencing as part of a greater societal issue—one demanding enforcement against those who exploit the vulnerable.
The fallout from this incident extends well beyond the courtroom, impacting discussions on drug policy, community safety, and the protection of children. The Bronx District Attorney's Office is preparing to take additional legal actions against Mendez, her husband, and associated co-conspirators involved to seek safer environments for families across New York City. This local tragedy has thrust the opioid crisis to the forefront of public consciousness, pushing both lawmakers and citizens to reassess their approaches to drug enforcement, child safety, and the broader human cost of addiction.
Today, families grappling with the aftermath of this case continue to mourn the substantial loss of life, advocating for justice not just for Nicholas but for future generations at risk. The haunting echoes of one family's grief reverberate through the fabric of society, demanding changes to eradicate the use of children as collateral damage within the shadows of drug trade.