After discovering the shocking truth behind the death of their son, a mom and dad are now facing a murder charge.
On July 26, 2023, local authorities in Coatesville, Pennsylvania were called to a home on on the 500 Block of East Lincoln Highway where an eight-year-old child identified as Hunter Hawa had suddenly gone into cardiac arrest.
The responders who arrived at the scene reportedly discovered empty bags of heroin on the floor of the room where the little boy was found.
Not only that, but prosecutors also stated that there was a shoebox containing hundreds of bags containing blue fentanyl and bags that were either empty or contained heroin residue.
In a statement posted to Facebook, the Chester County District Attorney’s Office gave further details of the incident.
"The Chester County District Attorney’s Office, the City of Coatesville Police Department, and the Chester County Detectives announce the arrest of Holly Back, 40, and Mousa Hawa, 41, of Coatesville, Pennsylvania, for charges related to the death of an eight-year-old child due to illegal drug exposure," they wrote.
The statement continued, charging the pair with Murder of the Third Degree, Involuntary Manslaughter, and other related charges for the death of their son, Hunter.
Officers noted the eight-year-old's condition and the condition of the child, witnessing that he had "ashen skin and cyanosis to his mouth and ears."
CPR was administered before Hunter was taken to a nearby hospital where he was announced dead on arrival.
District Attorney Christopher L. de Barrena-Sarobe spoke of the situation stating: "Parents have a sacred responsibility to care for their children. Day after day, these Defendants prioritized easy access to drugs over the health and safety of their child, leaving deadly fentanyl within arm’s reach. It is inexcusable. And it is murder."
A further investigation into the matter revealed that there was "drug paraphernalia" littered all around the home.
"Detectives reviewed the Defendants’ cellphones and found messages from July 25, 2023, that showed that they were discussing drug use," the statement continued. "Defendant Hawa reported to investigators that the child victim knew not to touch the illegal drugs because both Defendants identified the paraphernalia as 'medicine,' and the child victim was not allowed to touch medicine unless given to the child."
Samples taken from the child’s blood, urine, and hair were analyzed to determine what, if any, illegal drugs were in his system.
The blood and urine samples contained cocaine and fentanyl. The hair sample showed traces of fentanyl in the child’s system, indicating additional exposure prior to July 26, 2023.
According to an obituary, Hunter is survived by his grandfather, Abdallah Hawa of Coatesville; grandmother, Judy Hawa of Tennessee; uncle, Harold Nuse of Chester; aunt, Rachel Hawa of Bedford; aunt, Judi Pham and her spouse of Exton; Kristina Hawa of Coatesville and many cousins on his father's side.
On Hunter's mother’s side of the family, he was predeceased by his grandfather, Matthew Back. He is survived by his grandmother, Barbara Back of Coatesville; uncle Matthew Back and his spouse, of Paradise; Jennifer Back from Gap and cousins.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 12, 2024.
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