Savannah couple charged with murder after autopsy reveals infant died from fentanyl, meth

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - A Savannah couple is facing murder charges after an autopsy revealed their nine-month-old infant died from the toxic effects of fentanyl and methamphetamine, according to Chatham County police.

Heather Toinnette Laborde, 36, and Paul Michael Rapkin, 41, were arrested Tuesday and each charged with murder in the second degree and cruelty to children in the second degree.

Investigators obtained arrest warrants after a recent autopsy determined the cause of the infant’s death. On May 6, officers served a search warrant at the couple’s residence, where both were arrested.

A second search warrant was then executed and evidence was obtained, according to police.

A history of red flags

In August 2025, Rapkin was arrested by the Georgia State Patrol and charged with DUI drugs and driving under the influence endangering a child, along with failure to maintain a lane.

Laborde has a felony drug conviction on her record. In 2018, she was arrested by Chatham-Savannah Narcotics and later pleaded guilty to felony possession of a controlled substance (heroin), possession of drug-related objects, and possession of marijuana less than one ounce.

Neighbors told WTOC they had suspicions the couple was struggling with substance use but did not come forward. Several said they regret not reporting their concerns sooner.

‘There is no safe level of exposure’

Diane Diver, chief operating officer and chief clinical officer at Recovery Place in Savannah, said cases involving infant drug exposure are a troubling reality for the community.

“Since COVID, we’ve seen an increase in the number of individuals who have struggled with substances,” Diver said. “We’ve seen opiates still being an issue in our community, like heroin and fentanyl. We’ve also seen an increase in the use of methamphetamine.”

Diver said there is no safe level of drug exposure for a child.

“The human brain isn’t fully developed until the age of 25,” she said. “Any time any substance is ingested during that developmental stage, it can harm a child mentally, physically, and we never know exactly what that’s going to be based on their own vulnerabilities.”

‘Ask. You might be saving somebody’s life.’

Diver urged anyone who suspects a loved one is struggling with substance use to speak up — saying silence can be deadly.

“If you’re concerned about somebody, ask,” she said. “You might be saving somebody’s life. We’ve had too many people die from overdoses or premature deaths because people are afraid of talking about substance use disorders, which are completely treatable.”

WTOC has reached out to the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services to determine whether any prior reports were made involving this family. We are awaiting a response.

What to do if you need help

• If you suspect a child is in danger, contact DFCS or call 911.
• If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use, Recovery Place in Savannah offers free assessments. Call or visit their office for more information.
• Georgia’s 911 Amnesty Law protects callers from being charged if they call 911 to report a suspected overdose.
• Narcan, a medication that can reverse an opioid overdose, is widely available at local pharmacies without a prescription.