VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — A mother charged with killing her 2-year-old daughter in August 2022 is facing a new charge of aggravated murder, according to the Virginia Beach Commonwealth's Attorney Office.
Leandra Andrade was charged in 2022 with second-degree murder and child abuse resulting in a serious injury in the death of her daugther, Lanoix. New charges handed down from a grand jury on Feb. 5, 2024 added one count of aggravated murder — killing of someone under the age of 14 by someone over age 21.
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"Aggravated murder is more serious than second degree murder because of the nature of aggravated.” Eric Claville, an attorney and legal expert said. "In this case, it’s a victim under 14 years. The law takes into account protection of those that can’t take care of them self, children, elderly.”
Andrade's attorney, James Broccoletti released a statement saying:
"This is another chapter in a tragic story that will be told in court at the trial. Leandra continues to suffer the grief of a lost child and awaits her day in court."
On Aug. 1, 2022, a 2-year-old was found dead under suspicious circumstances and Andrade was found in a medical emergency at the Cutty Sark Motel on Atlantic Avenue. Police responded to the address and found Andrade unconscious and her child dead.
Police performed life-saving measures on Andrade using Narcan before she was taken to the Virginia Beach General Hospital for treatment.
In December 2022, Andrade faced a judge, shackled at the hands and feet, as an undercover detective recalled the scene.
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The detective said when police entered the motel room on Aug. 1, Andrade was on the floor behind the front door going in and out of consciousness. There was a bottle of vodka on the table and police had to use Narcan to wake her up, but it’s unclear what caused Andrade to pass out.
For Lanoix, however, it was too late.
The little girl was found dead on the bed. The detective testified there was white and pink-colored foam coming from her mouth. He said he also saw an empty 24-pack box and 32-count bottle of sleeping pills along with crushed up tablets.
The medical examiner’s autopsy report confirmed Lanoix had deadly levels of antihistamine in her body from an over-the-counter drug often used to help people sleep.
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Lanoix’s father, Fabio Andrade, Jr., was in the courtroom that day but did not talk with media. He instead shared a statement that said: "I look forward to seeing justice served for Lanoix and continue to ask for privacy so that I may mourn my beloved angel."
The Virginia Beach commonwealth's attorney said the pre-trial hearing will take place on March 3, and the trial will begin on April 9.
A spokeperson from the Virginia Beach Commonwealth's Attorney couldn't share why they requested the new charges.
Legal expert and attorney Eric Claville shared why the additional charge could have been added: "Once additional evidence is provided to the Commonwealth’s Attorney, it could be from the arresting officers or medical examiner’s or another witness could warrant the additional charge."
