SF Couple Facing Murder Charges in Toddler's Fentanyl Death Skip Court

Authorities searching for Steve Ramirez and Michelle Price after they failed to appear for hearing on new charges.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 11:30pm by

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An extreme close-up of a used syringe and empty pill capsule, starkly lit against a dark background, conceptually representing the devastating impact of the opioid epidemic on vulnerable families.The tragic overdose death of a young child has sparked outrage and renewed calls for action to address the Bay Area's opioid crisis.San Francisco Today

A San Francisco couple charged with second-degree murder in the fentanyl overdose death of their 2-year-old daughter are now being sought on court-ordered warrants after they failed to appear for a hearing on the new charges on Thursday.

Why it matters

The case highlights the growing opioid crisis in the Bay Area and the devastating impact of fentanyl, which has led to a sharp rise in overdose deaths among both adults and children. It also raises questions about the ability of the criminal justice system to hold accountable those responsible for drug-related deaths.

The details

Steve Ramirez, 43, and Michelle Price, 38, were previously arrested and charged with child endangerment in the death of their toddler. Prosecutors have now upgraded the charges to second-degree murder, alleging the couple's negligence and drug use led to the child's fatal overdose. The couple failed to show up for Thursday's hearing, prompting the judge to issue warrants for their arrest.

  • The toddler's death occurred in early 2026.
  • Ramirez and Price were initially charged with child endangerment in March 2026.
  • The new second-degree murder charges were filed in April 2026.
  • The missed court hearing was on April 16, 2026.

The players

Steve Ramirez

A 43-year-old San Francisco resident who is facing second-degree murder charges in the fentanyl overdose death of his 2-year-old daughter.

Michelle Price

A 38-year-old San Francisco resident who is facing second-degree murder charges in the fentanyl overdose death of her 2-year-old daughter.

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What’s next

Authorities are actively searching for Ramirez and Price and have issued warrants for their arrest. The judge will likely order them to be held without bail if they are apprehended.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the devastating human toll of the opioid epidemic, particularly on vulnerable children, and the challenges the criminal justice system faces in holding accountable those responsible for drug-related deaths.