Uncle pleads not guilty in toddler’s overdose death

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — A 35-year-old man has pleaded not guilty to charges related to the methadone overdose and death of his toddler nephew.

Willie Lee Harris Jr. entered not guilty pleas Tuesday in Portland to several charges, including manslaughter, criminal mistreatment and unlawful possession of heroin.

Two-year-old Reginald Harris Jr. died Oct. 10 of a lethal dose of methadone.

Authorities suspect Harris left the methadone in a place where the boy had access to it.

Harris’ mother, Pamela, told KOIN-TV (http://bit.ly/2esGIjT) she doesn’t believe her son would have done anything intentionally to cause the child’s death. She said the toddler got a hold of the methadone while riding in Harris’ car.

The boy’s death remains under investigation.

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Information from: KOIN-TV, http://www.koin.com/