Thursday, March 31, 2022

STATE POLICE: Methamphetamine Found in Infant's System; Schuylkill County Man Charged in Death of 9-Month-Old

We are learning more information on why a Branchdale man is behind bars for the death of his son in Tremont last year.


Kevin J. Harris, 31, of Branchdale is charged by the Pennsylvania State Police at Schuylkill Haven with 1 count of involuntary manslaughter, 2 counts endangering the welfare of children, and 2 counts of recklessly endangering another person.

According to court papers, on August 22nd, 2021, Harris's 9 month old son was found was found unresponsive and taken to the hospital.

A toxicology report found the baby's blood and liver tissue to contain amphetamine and methamphetamine. The victim's death is said to be a result of complications of asphyxia and toxicity from the drugs.

An investigation by State Police led to the finding of a credit card and a white powdery substance on top of a washing machine in the basement of the home.

Two comforters were also found inside the home and sent to a lab for testing which were found to have methamphetamine on them as well.

 Harris admitted to using methamphetamines in the basement of the home.

Harris told investigators that he found the infant at the bottom of the bed with a blanket pulled up to his head. The blanket was one of the two later found to have contained remnants of methamphetamine.

Harris remains locked up in Schuylkill County Prison for the death on $75,000 straight cash bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 7th, 2022 before Magisterial District Judge Rossi.

Photo obtained by Fox56