Nashville Mother Charged With Murder After Daughter Dies Of Fentanyl Intoxication

A Nashville mother is facing murder charges more than eight months after her daughter ingested her drugs and died.

Prestina Clark-Wilcox, 24, was charged with first-degree murder, aggravated child neglect, and aggravated child endangerment. Clark-Wilcox surrendered to police after a grand jury returned the indictment against her.

In July of 2020, Paris Clark-Wilcox was found unresponsive. She was taken to a Smyrna hospital by her mother and her mother’s boyfriend but was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. The medical examiner determined that Paris died of acute fentanyl intoxication. 

A subsequent search of Clark-Wilcox home by police officers turned up a small plastic bag of white rock in her bed. When tested, it was positive for cocaine. Officers believe Paris ingested the drugs. 

“The investigation, led by Youth Services Detective John Grubbs, determined that Prestina Clark-Wilcox was addicted to illegal drugs,” said a statement from Nashville Metro Police. “A small plastic bag containing a white rock that tested positive for cocaine was found in Prestina Clark-Wilcox’s bed when officers arrived to check the home after Paris’ death. It is believed that the child ingested her mother’s illegal drugs.”

A judge set Clark-Wilcox’s bond at $250,000.