Bismarck Couple Sentenced for Death of Their Two-Year-Old from Fentanyl Poisoning
BISMARCK, N.D. (KFYR) – On December 23, 2024, Jasmine Charging and Jordan Many Ribs, a Bismarck couple, were sentenced to 25 years in prison, with 13 years suspended, in connection to the tragic death of their two-year-old child from fentanyl poisoning in January.
District Court Judge Pam Nesvig handed down the sentence after hearing statements from both the prosecution and the defense. State’s Attorney Dennis Ingold highlighted the couple’s failure to seek help for their child, who was in distress, prioritizing their own concerns over the life of their child.
“The theme of this case is that when the child needed help, they thought of themselves instead of calling 911,” said Ingold, emphasizing the severity of the case.
Charging’s attorney, Richard Sand, acknowledged the tragic outcome but pointed out that his client’s addiction, while still a grave factor, was not a profit-driven involvement in fentanyl distribution. “It’s not a case where someone was selling fentanyl, but someone who lost everything due to their addiction,” Sand argued.
Jordan Many Ribs’ attorney, Grant Walker, noted that since being out on bond, his client had shown positive changes, including staying clean and cooperating with law enforcement, which he hoped would influence the court’s decision.
Both Charging and Many Ribs addressed the court, expressing remorse. Charging, who had a history of addiction, stated, “I didn’t mean for this to happen, and if I could, I wish I could take it back. My addiction took everything from me.” Many Ribs shared his emotional struggle, saying, “What I’m going through is really hard. I have to face the consequence. It’s just hard being judged a lot by other people.”
Judge Nesvig’s remarks reflected the court’s deep concern over the circumstances. She noted, “One child will never speak again. That child does not have a voice… That child does not have an opportunity to live their life.”
The couple pleaded guilty in September to charges of child endangerment resulting in death, child neglect, and drug-related offenses. In January, police responded to a call about an unresponsive child at their home, where investigators found fentanyl, methamphetamine, and other drugs accessible to children. A medical examiner later confirmed that the child had a lethal amount of fentanyl in his system.
Charging had reportedly tried to cover up evidence, including deleting information from her phone. Defense attorneys contended that the full medical examiner’s report, which could clarify the exact cause of death, was still unavailable at the time. They also mentioned the child had previously suffered a seizure months before.
Both Charging and Many Ribs must serve at least 12 years of their sentence.
