Brooklyn 4-Year-Old Dies from Fentanyl Poisoning; 2 Arrested

Child's father and another individual charged with federal drug conspiracy resulting in death

Feb. 3, 2026 at 7:23pm

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Federal authorities have charged Yitzchok Sklar and Ahuva Katzin with conspiracy to distribute narcotics resulting in the death of a 4-year-old boy in Brooklyn, New York, who died in March 2025 from fentanyl exposure. Sklar had previously been charged, along with the boy's mother, with abandonment of a child and criminal possession of a controlled substance.

Why it matters

This case highlights the devastating impact of the opioid crisis, particularly the dangers of fentanyl exposure for young children. The application of federal charges signals a heightened focus on holding individuals accountable for deaths resulting from the distribution of fentanyl, a highly potent and increasingly prevalent drug.

The details

Surveillance video allegedly captured Sklar leaving the apartment with a black bag and returning without it shortly after a 911 call was made regarding the boy's medical emergency. Law enforcement recovered the bag in a nearby car, where it was found to contain fentanyl and heroin. The federal charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in prison, with a potential maximum sentence of life in prison.

  • In March 2025, the 4-year-old boy died from fentanyl exposure.
  • Sklar and Elkayam were previously charged in state court in 2025.

The players

Yitzchok Sklar

One of the individuals charged with federal drug conspiracy resulting in death.

Ahuva Katzin

One of the individuals charged with federal drug conspiracy resulting in death.

Miriam Elkayam

The 4-year-old boy's mother, who was previously charged with abandonment of a child and criminal possession of a controlled substance.

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What’s next

If convicted, Sklar and Katzin could face significant prison sentences. A trial will likely be scheduled to determine guilt or innocence. Further investigation may reveal additional details about the source of the narcotics and any potential co-conspirators.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the urgent need to address the opioid crisis and the devastating impact of fentanyl, particularly on vulnerable populations like young children. It also highlights the growing efforts by law enforcement to hold individuals accountable for drug-related deaths through the application of federal charges.