Pierce County father arrested in connection with son’s fentanyl death nearly 20 months later

Kyler Wayne Lawrence, 32, is in custody in connection with the fentanyl death of his 5-year-old son. The incident dates back more than a year, to March 2025, when it happened at the family’s home.

Thurston County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO) deputies stopped a BMW during a routine traffic stop on Sunday, Pierce County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) Deputy Carly Capetto told KIRO Newsradio.

“Kyler happened to be the passenger. He was seen with a baggie of drugs in his lap,” Capetto said.

TCSO deputies turned Lawrence over to Pierce County authorities. Shortly after, Lawrence was booked into Pierce County Jail Sunday evening on a first-degree manslaughter warrant, Capetto reported.

Investigators found suspected drugs, paraphernalia in child’s bedroom

Deputies responded to a medical emergency at a Pierce County home where a young boy died from acute fentanyl toxicity despite life-saving measures. Investigators alleged fentanyl was regularly brought into the home for both personal and resale use, according to court documents obtained by KING 5.

Suspected drugs and items like a digital scale with residue, a glass pipe, and foil with brown substance were found in the home. Some items were located in the child’s bedroom.

The mother, Jordan Shank, told investigators that Lawrence had hidden in the attic while authorities were in the home. Lawrence instructed Shank to tell authorities that he had left the home through the backyard, which is why investigators originally believed Lawrence had fled the scene, KING 5 reported.

Lawrence was charged with first-degree manslaughter and could face life in prison and a $50,000 fine according to Washington law.

Shank was arrested in May 2025. She was also charged with first-degree manslaughter.