A Long Island mother has been charged with manslaughter and child endangerment in connection with the death of her 18-month-old son, Luke Russell Jr., according to prosecutors. Olivia Bithorn, 36, allegedly fed her infant son unpopped popcorn kernels while intoxicated and then left him unsupervised to drink in a bathroom as he choked to death.
Nassau County police were called to Bithorn's Merrick home on April 12, 2026, where they discovered the unresponsive toddler surrounded by popcorn kernels and turning blue. Investigators found a nearly empty bottle of vodka in the bathroom where Bithorn had allegedly been drinking, according to the Nassau County District Attorney's office.
Prosecutors stated that Bithorn, who self-admitted to being a drug addict and alcoholic, left her infant son and his 3-year-old sister unattended from April 12 into the following day. She is accused of feeding both children uncooked popcorn kernels, one of which became lodged in her infant son's throat, leading to his death by asphyxiation.
Bithorn was initially placed in a drug and alcohol treatment facility with an ankle monitor. She has since pleaded not guilty to the charges and was held on $500,000 bail.