A Chattanooga couple accused of felony murder in connection with the fentanyl overdose death of their toddler are set to head to trial in January 2025.
Taiwan Greathouse and Brittany Bell, who are also facing aggravated child neglect, child endangerment and possession of cocaine and fentanyl for resale charges, appeared Tuesday in front of Hamilton County Criminal Court Judge Amanda Dunn.
Bell, 35, allegedly woke up early one morning in March 2023 and found their 2-year-son unresponsive inside their home on the 3100 block of 15th Avenue, Chattanooga Police Detective James King testified in court last month.
He arrived at a local hospital dead, and his urine tested positive for fentanyl, according to King. The toddler tested positive for 25 nanograms, which was a fatal dose and cause of death.
Greathouse, 34, and Bell allegedly both sold drugs, and one of their older children was sometimes asked to assist them.
Bell was out of custody Tuesday, and Greathouse remains held without bond.
Except for one week in August, Dunn is already fully booked for top priority trials this year, she said.
"Unfortunately, we have a really busy courtroom," Dunn said.
The couple's trial is scheduled to start Jan. 7 and could take longer than a week, said attorney Bill Speek, who is representing Bell.
"In particular in this case, there should be a lot of expert opinions," Speek said.
(READ MORE: Sheriff: Suspected home invader shot, killed by Harrison homeowner)
When police searched Greathouse and Bell's residence, they allegedly found 110 blue pills consistent with fentanyl, a large bag of cocaine and a pill press in a refrigerator in the backyard, King said last month.
It remains unclear how the fentanyl got into the toddler's system.
Contact Sofia Saric at ssaric@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6476.