Northshore prosecutors have agreed to send a man to prison for half a century after he admitted to causing the drug-related death of his toddler niece.
"District Attorney Collin Sims announces that on January 15, 2026, Christopher Mikhail Baker, 33, of Slidell, was sentenced to 50 years in prison following a plea agreement," Public Information Officer Debbie Webber said in a news release.
It comes after Baker was babysitting for the little girl and her baby brother two years ago.
"The sentencing follows the January 2024 death of Baker’s two-year-old niece and the severe neglect of his one-year-old nephew."
Webber says the case started with Baker calling cops.
"On January 7, 2024, St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office (STPSO) deputies responded to a 911 call regarding an unresponsive child at a residence in Slidell, Louisiana. Baker had been babysitting his niece, Ryah Young (2), and his nephew, Rashad Young Jr. (1), since January 5th."
Investigators say Baker had drugs that two-year-old Ryah Young and her one year old brother ingested.
"Young was pronounced dead at the hospital; a toxicology report later confirmed the cause of death as drug toxicity after testing positive for fentanyl and cocaine."
Rashad Young also tested positive for cocaine.
"A search of the home uncovered baggies and straws containing fentanyl and cocaine residue, along with a .45 caliber firearm. In recorded jail calls, Baker referred to the incident as a 'freak accident,' suggesting the children had 'ate one.'"
Baker pleaded guilty to the following charges:
Manslaughter
Second Degree Cruelty to Juveniles
Possession of Fentanyl
Possession of Cocaine
Illegal Carrying of Weapons while in Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance
