FERNANDINA BEACH, Fla. — A heartbreaking tragedy has shaken the Nassau County community after the death of a five-month-old infant led to the arrest of the child’s parents. The Nassau County Sheriff’s Office (NCSO) confirmed that Melissa Sue Irons, 35, and Scott Alan Irons, 34, were taken into custody following a disturbing discovery of narcotics in the baby’s sleeping area.
According to NCSO, deputies responded to a cardiac emergency at a residence on South 6th Street in Fernandina Beach on the morning of June 19. The 911 call involved an unresponsive infant who appeared to have no heartbeat. The child was immediately transported to a nearby hospital, where they were later pronounced dead.
As deputies began their investigation, what they found inside the home was deeply alarming. Authorities say they observed a powdery white substance, believed to be residue from narcotics, on a tray inside the baby’s crib. In addition, investigators discovered drug paraphernalia in the area and, upon conducting a full search of the residence, located a quantity of fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid that is often deadly in even minute amounts.
The presence of dangerous drugs within immediate reach of an infant raised grave concerns, and both parents were immediately taken into custody. Melissa Irons and Scott Irons were booked into the Nassau County Jail & Detention Center on charges of possession of a controlled substance. Authorities noted that further charges may be filed pending the results of an autopsy being conducted by the medical examiner’s office.
Melissa’s bond was set at $15,000, while Scott’s bond is $25,000. Both remain under investigation as detectives await toxicology reports and a complete autopsy to determine the exact cause of the child’s death.
“This is an absolutely tragic and senseless situation,” said a spokesperson from NCSO. “We are talking about a completely preventable loss of an innocent life. The presence of fentanyl and drug use around a child—especially an infant—cannot and will not be tolerated.”
Fentanyl has become a leading cause of overdose deaths nationwide, and its role in infant fatalities is a growing concern for law enforcement and child welfare advocates. Just a few granules of the substance can be lethal to an adult—let alone a five-month-old baby.
Neighbors and local residents expressed shock and sorrow over the incident. “That baby never had a chance,” said one neighbor, holding back tears. “To think of what was in that crib, where a child should have been safe… it’s just horrific.”
Community services and child protective organizations in Nassau County are once again emphasizing the dangers of drug exposure in homes, especially those with young children. Local officials say they are working to raise awareness and provide more support for parents struggling with substance abuse, but also stress that accountability must follow when negligence leads to tragedy.
As the case develops, the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office continues to ask anyone with additional information to come forward. Meanwhile, the community mourns the loss of a child whose life was cut short far too soon—under heartbreaking and preventable circumstances.
Victim: Unnamed five-month-old infant
Incident Date: June 19, 2025
Location: South 6th Street, Fernandina Beach, Florida
Parents Arrested:
- Melissa Sue Irons, 35 — Charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance (Bond: $15,000)
- Scott Alan Irons, 34 — Charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance (Bond: $25,000)
Evidence Found:
- Powdery narcotic residue in baby’s crib
- Drug paraphernalia
- Fentanyl in home
Investigation Status: Ongoing; autopsy results pending; additional charges possible
For updates on this case and others, follow the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office and local news channels. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use and parenting responsibilities, resources are available through the Florida Department of Children and Families and local health organizations.
