Parents Arrested in Death of Napa Toddler from Fentanyl Poisoning
NAPA COUNTY, CA — In a tragic turn of events nearly one year after the death of a 3-year-old boy, Napa County Sheriff’s Detectives have arrested the child’s parents following a lengthy investigation into the toddler’s fatal fentanyl poisoning. The mother now faces a murder charge, while the father is charged with child endangerment resulting in death.
The arrests were made on Friday, August 1, 2025, and stem from the death of Zayden Schultz, a 3-year-old boy who was found unresponsive on August 15, 2024, at a home on the 1600 block of Mary C Drive in Napa.
Emergency responders were dispatched to the residence that day on reports of a medical emergency involving the toddler. Despite life-saving efforts, Zayden was pronounced dead at the scene. A forensic investigation conducted by the Napa County Coroner’s Office later confirmed that the cause of death was acute fentanyl intoxication.
Parents Identified and Charged
After an exhaustive, months-long investigation, detectives arrested Belen Shroyer-Stephenson, the child’s 27-year-old mother, and Timothy Schultz, the 29-year-old father. Both are Napa residents and were taken into custody last Friday.
The Napa County District Attorney’s Office has formally filed the following charges:
- Belen Shroyer-Stephenson:
- Penal Code 187(a) – Murder
- Penal Code 273a(a) – Child Endangerment resulting in great bodily injury or death
- Bail: No bail
- Timothy Schultz:
- Penal Code 273a(a) – Child Endangerment resulting in great bodily injury or death
- Bail: $1 million
Officials allege that the presence of fentanyl in the household—combined with negligent or criminal behavior—led to the toddler’s exposure and ultimate death. However, investigators have not yet disclosed whether the drug was ingested accidentally or administered knowingly. The criminal complaint against the mother suggests a direct and fatal involvement.
Fentanyl Crisis Claims Another Young Life
The case has reignited public concern about the fentanyl epidemic and the devastating toll it continues to take—particularly on vulnerable children.
Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine, has become a leading cause of overdose deaths in the United States. In recent years, law enforcement and public health officials have warned of an alarming rise in accidental poisonings, including among toddlers who come into contact with drug paraphernalia left within reach.
“This is not just another drug case,” said a law enforcement official familiar with the investigation. “This is a horrifying example of the very real, very deadly consequences of fentanyl exposure—especially when children are involved.”
Call for Community Assistance
The Napa County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s help in building the case. Anyone who may have additional information regarding Zayden’s death or prior observations of the parents’ behavior is encouraged to contact Detective Pinedo at (707) 299-1502.
Authorities hope that community members, neighbors, or anyone who knew the family may be able to provide critical context or testimony regarding the child’s care and living conditions in the days and weeks leading up to his death.
A Community in Mourning
News of the arrests has shaken the Napa community, where many are still processing the senseless death of a child and the chilling details that have since emerged. Candlelight vigils were held in the days following Zayden’s death last year, but few expected the case would result in criminal charges against his own parents.
“This is heartbreaking,” said a neighbor who asked not to be named. “We always saw the little boy playing outside, smiling. It’s hard to believe something like this happened right next door.”
Legal Proceedings Ahead
Both Shroyer-Stephenson and Schultz are expected to be arraigned this week in Napa County Superior Court. Prosecutors say they will seek a no-bail hold on the mother due to the seriousness of the murder charge. The father remains in custody on $1 million bail.
As legal proceedings unfold, the death of Zayden Schultz will remain a somber reminder of the urgent need for greater awareness, responsibility, and safeguards in homes where dangerous substances may be present.