Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced Thursday that both parents of 11‑month‑old Ariya have been formally charged following her death from fentanyl intoxication at their Talbert Avenue residence in Simi Valley.
Charges and legal allegations
George James Salas, 29, faces a second‑degree murder count, child‑abuse charges, possession of a controlled substance and possession of a smoking device. He also carries a special allegation that he has a prior strike offense on his record. Ariya’s mother, Karina Lucia Yanes, is charged with one felony count of child abuse, including the special allegation that the crime resulted in the death of a vulnerable child and involved great violence.
Incident timeline
On Dec. 6, 2025, Ariya was left in the care of her father while her mother went to work. At approximately 1:39 p.m., Simi Valley police responded to a call reporting an unresponsive infant at the 400 block of Talbert Avenue. Officers performed CPR on the baby and transported her to a local hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.
Investigators obtained a search warrant for the home after discovering multiple items indicating narcotics use. The search revealed evidence suggesting the infant had ingested fentanyl while in the bedroom where she was found.
Medical findings
An autopsy performed on Dec. 8, 2025, confirmed fentanyl intoxication as the cause of death. Senior Deputy District Attorney Audry Nafziger emphasized that fentanyl is one of the deadliest drugs in America and that an infant is completely helpless against it.
Legal proceedings
Both parents were arrested on suspicion of violating California Penal Code § 273a(a), which prohibits willfully placing a child in a situation likely to cause great bodily injury or death. Their arraignments were continued to Oct. 26. Salas remains in custody with bail set at $1,040,000, while Yanes is also detained with bail set at $50,000. Salas is scheduled for a bail‑review hearing on Sep. 30 in Ventura County Superior Court.
Community response
The case has drawn sharp criticism from local leaders and parents who fear the tragic loss could have been avoided. District Attorney Nasarenko stated, “We have a duty as prosecutors to hold her parents responsible for this completely avoidable and tragic death.” The incident underscores the growing danger fentanyl poses to families across California and the nation.
Authorities continue to investigate the source of the fentanyl and are urging anyone with information to contact the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
