NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – In a tragic incident that shook the community, a 27-year-old Newport News woman was found guilty of felony homicide this week following the accidental overdose of a three-year-old girl in her care at her apartment two years ago.
Contessa Holloman, a close friend of the toddler’s mother, had invited Ava Hudson over for an overnight playdate with her daughter on May 30, 2022. Tragically, the evening took a devastating turn when Ava ingested a lethal combination of drugs in the early hours of May 31, eventually leading to her untimely passing.
Upon realizing Ava’s dire condition, Holloman rushed the young girl to her mother’s home just minutes away. Despite their efforts, Ava was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital shortly after her arrival.
A search of Holloman’s apartment following the incident revealed a torn plastic baggie containing a potent mixture of heroin, fentanyl, and tramadol. The State Medical Examiner’s Office later confirmed that Ava’s death was a result of ingesting these drugs, with fentanyl levels surpassing the fatal threshold for adults.
At the conclusion of a one-day bench trial, Circuit Court Judge Matthew W. Hoffman delivered a verdict of felony homicide against Holloman, along with charges of child neglect and drug possession. Holloman now faces a potential 65-year prison sentence, highlighting the severity of the offense.
The heartbreaking loss of Ava is not the only case of its kind in the region, with another young child in the area tragically losing their life due to exposure to deadly substances. These incidents serve as stark reminders of the dangers posed by drug accessibility within homes, especially in proximity to young children.
As the community continues to grapple with the aftermath of these events, support for the affected families remains paramount. The impact of such tragedies reverberates throughout the community, underscoring the need for increased awareness and vigilance to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
In the wake of this heartbreaking incident, loved ones and community members mourn the loss of young Ava, a vibrant and beloved child known for her joyous spirit and curious nature. The family’s poignant tribute to Ava serves as a heartfelt reminder of the cherished memories and bright moments she brought to all who knew her.
As the legal proceedings unfold and justice is sought for Ava’s passing, the community stands united in support of her memory and in solidarity with those affected by this profound loss. The ramifications of such tragedies are far-reaching, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding vulnerable individuals from harm and advocating for greater accountability in cases of neglect and misconduct.