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Mom Charged After Toddler Chokes on Popcorn Kernels
2 Jul
Summary
- Mother accused of giving toddler uncooked popcorn kernels.
- Mother allegedly intoxicated at time of child's death.
- Child died before 911 was called; mother charged with manslaughter.
A mother, Olivia Bithorn, has been charged with manslaughter in connection with the death of her 2-year-old son, Luke Russell Jr. The incident occurred on April 12 while they were staying at an Airbnb in Nassau County, Long Island. Prosecutors allege Bithorn was heavily intoxicated and provided uncooked popcorn kernels to Luke and his sister.
Authorities state that Bithorn left the children unattended for over an hour while she was allegedly sick in the bathroom due to drinking. Luke began choking on a popcorn kernel and died. His sister alerted Bithorn when their mother returned. Emergency responders found the child deceased, with indications he had been dead for approximately an hour before 911 was contacted.
Investigators found evidence at the scene, including an empty vodka bottle near scattered popcorn and a child's pacifier. Bithorn told police she would not have given her son popcorn due to choking risks but suggested the kernels may have spilled. She was arrested on June 18 and arraigned on charges including manslaughter and child endangerment, with bail set at $500,000.
