A Curtis Bay mother pleaded guilty Tuesday to child abuse resulting in death and involuntary manslaughter after her 23-month-old son died from a fentanyl overdose inside the family home in 2024.
Brooke Houck, 29, entered the guilty pleas Sept. 8, 2026, in Anne Arundel County Circuit Court in the death of her son, Landon.
Houck also pleaded guilty to neglect of a minor, first- and second-degree child abuse, and reckless endangerment.
Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 20, 2026.
The case stems from the evening of July 21, 2024, when Anne Arundel County Police responded to the 8100 block of Holly Road in Curtis Bay for a report of an unresponsive child.
Officers met with Houck and her husband, Nathan Houck, who directed them to their 23-month-old son. Landon was not breathing.
Paramedics transported the child to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner later determined Landon died from a fentanyl overdose.
Brooke Houck told investigators the family had been sitting on a couch watching a movie for about two hours. When the movie ended, they found Landon face down and not breathing.
Houck told officers she had recently relapsed and that her son may have found an empty drug capsule.
Prosecutors said Houck admitted bringing drugs into the home.
Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney Anne Colt Leitess said the case showed the danger created when drugs are left within reach of children.
“As parents, it is our duty to shield and protect our children, who rely on our care to keep them safe,” Leitess said. “Not only was Landon living in deplorable conditions, but his mother put her addiction ahead of his well-being by actively purchasing, using, and leaving drugs within his reach.”
Leitess said Houck’s actions demonstrated how addiction can affect not only the person using drugs but also vulnerable people around them.
Nathan Houck was also responsible for Landon and the couple’s three other children who lived in the home.
In October 2025, Nathan Houck pleaded guilty to child neglect. He was sentenced to five years, with all but 18 months suspended, and was ordered to complete a drug treatment program.
Brooke Houck’s case was prosecuted by Assistant State’s Attorney Shane Nolan and Assistant State’s Attorney Anastasia Prigge.
Judge Stacy McCormack presided over the plea hearing.
A sentencing hearing is set for Nov. 20, 2026, in Anne Arundel County Circuit Court.
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