Da’Kyah, a Minneapolis kindergartener, had to be hospitalized after suffering a mysterious illness as a result of consuming what she said were “poisonous candies” that her classmate gave her. Now her family wants answers.
Per WCCO News, the incident happened at the Nellie Stone Johnson Elementary School on May 6. Da’Kyah’s mother, Rachel Hodges, told the news outlet that her daughter after consuming the alleged substance had issues walking, adding that she was also shaking and behaving strangely. She had to be hospitalized as a result.
Hodges was notified about her daughter’s condition by school officials. She was told her daughter had vomited and seemingly suffered seizures. “She didn’t know who I was,” said Hodges. “She didn’t know my mom. She has a twin, she didn’t know him.”
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Hodges said her daughter’s odd behavior became periodic after emergency room doctors informed her the minor did not suffer a seizure. Hodges made mention of her daughter experiencing mood changes and hallucinations.
“I’ve never even seen a child act that way,” Hodges said. “And it’s just sad, because she’s scared of me, and I’m her mom.”
Da’Kyah told WCCO News that her classmate “pranked” her. Da’Kyah said the classmate in question told her what she had given her was candy. “After I ate them, she said, ‘Ha, just kidding. They’re poisonous candies.’ My body was hurting and yeah, it was scary,” she recalled.
Da’Kyah said the supposed candies she consumed were colored pills. “The police looked in her eyes,” Hodges said. “They seen that she was dilated. Her eyes were crossed and bugged really big, and they knew she had to have ingested something she shouldn’t have.”
“In accordance with normal procedure for processing a report involving young children, this case has been referred to Child Protective Services (CPS),” a Minneapolis police spokesperson said. “MPD will continue to partner with CPS as this case moves forward.”
Hodges said they would have details about what her daughter consumed after her blood test results are made available. In a statement, Minneapolis Public Schools said an investigation into the incident has since been launched and they are “working closely with those who are directly impacted.”
“MPS will also work cooperatively with law enforcement and other agencies as appropriate. We are committed to ensuring a safe and welcoming learning environment for all of our students and families,” the statement said.
Principal Kelly Wright also addressed Nellie Stone Johnson parents in the statement. “We want to assure you that the safety and wellbeing of our students is always our top priority. Our administration and staff are committed to making sure this is an educational environment where all of our students feel safe at school,” Wright said.
“Concerns have been brought forward regarding an alleged incident that occurred in our building earlier this week. While we are unable to share additional information regarding those concerns due to state and federal data privacy laws, please know that we are taking this matter very seriously and are actively looking into the concerns that have been raised.”
