Jennings woman accused of taking fentanyl, heroin while pregnant, leading to baby’s death

JENNINGS, La. (KPLC) – A Jennings woman has been arrested after being accused of third-degree feticide, according to Jennings Police.Police say Shandelynn Benoit, 28, admitted to using fentanyl and heroin throughout her pregnancy despite medical professionals repeatedly warning her about the risks to her unborn child.On Dec. 12, 2025, officers responded to a local hospital after Benoit was admitted following an apparent overdose. Despite life-saving efforts, her child would later die.Investigators say Benoit told them that she used the drugs to alleviate her stomach pain, rather than seek medical treatment.An arrest warrant was later issued for Benoit’s arrest, and she was taken into custody without incident on Tuesday, Jan. 13.Benoit has been booked into the Jefferson Davis Parish Jail. Copyright 2026 KPLC. All rights reserved.