A Texas dentist faces charges three months after a 4-year-old patient died during a dental procedure at Cuddle Kids Dental Care in Fort Worth. The child, Aithana Rodríguez-Arriaga, underwent what was supposed to be a minor procedure for being tongue-tied but tragically became unresponsive and later passed away.

Dr. Chrishelle Hemphill, 48, has been arrested for causing serious bodily injury to a child in connection to Aithana’s death. According to Detective J. Spragins, evidence suggests neglect on Hemphill’s part led to the fatal outcome. The Tarrant County Medical Examiner determined that the child died from meperidine (Demerol) toxicity, with levels far exceeding what is considered safe for adults.

The investigation revealed that Hemphill administered meperidine, sedatives, and nitrous oxide gas to the child without proper monitoring or emergency intervention when the child became unresponsive. Hemphill faces up to 20 years in prison and a $10,000 fine if convicted. The Fort Worth Police Department’s Crimes Against Children Unit conducted the investigation, spurred by the child’s mother setting up a GoFundMe page to mourn Aithana’s loss.

The family described Aithana as a vibrant and loving child whose presence brought joy to all around her. They are devastated by her sudden passing and seek support through the GoFundMe page set up in her memory.