Manhunt for husband of NYC daycare owner expands to Dominican Republic after tot's death from suspected fentanyl poisoning

The husband of Grei Mendez De Ventura, the owner of Divino Niño Daycare in New York City, is being sought by the police after a one-year-old child died from suspected fentanyl poisoning at the daycare. The Regional Fugitive Task Force is following up leads in the Dominican Republic, where the couple is originally from. Mendez and her husband's cousin, Carlisto Acevedo Brito, were charged with murder, assault, and child endangerment on September 16, one day after Nicholas Feliz Dominici and three other children were found critically ill at the daycare. The daycare was described by authorities as a front for a drug-peddling operation, and Mendez's husband was described by police sources as "the main player" in the alleged drug-selling operation at the basement daycare center.

Key Facts

  • The husband of the owner of Divino Niño Daycare in New York City is being sought by the police after a one-year-old child died from suspected fentanyl poisoning at the daycare.
  • The Regional Fugitive Task Force is following up leads in the Dominican Republic, where the couple is originally from.
  • Mendez and her husband's cousin, Carlisto Acevedo Brito, were charged with murder, assault, and child endangerment on September 16, one day after Nicholas Feliz Dominici and three other children were found critically ill at the daycare.
  • The daycare was described by authorities as a front for a drug-peddling operation.
  • Mendez's husband was described by police sources as "the main player" in the alleged drug-selling operation at the basement daycare center.