Merrick, New York — A Long Island mother is facing serious criminal charges after prosecutors alleged her 18-month-old son died after choking on unpopped popcorn kernels while she was intoxicated and left her young children unattended.
The case, which has drawn significant attention in Nassau County, centers on the death of Luke Russell Jr., who died during an overnight stay at an Airbnb earlier this year.
Authorities have charged Olivia Bithorn, 36, with manslaughter and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child. The allegations remain accusations, and the case will be decided in court.
Prosecutors Detail Events Leading to Toddler’s Death
According to prosecutors, the incident occurred on April 12 while Bithorn was staying at an Airbnb in Merrick with her two young children.
Investigators allege Bithorn had been drinking heavily before leaving her 18-month-old son and 3-year-old daughter unattended while she remained in a bathroom.
Prosecutors claim the toddler choked after eating unpopped popcorn kernels, which allegedly became lodged in his airway.
Authorities contend the child was left without immediate supervision during the medical emergency.
Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly outlined the prosecution’s allegations following a court hearing.
“She allegedly was intoxicated, gave the children a bag of unpopped popcorn and her son was eating the kernels, and they got stuck and he died.”
Defendant Disputes Prosecution’s Allegations
According to court proceedings, Bithorn denied intentionally giving the toddler unpopped popcorn to eat.
She reportedly told investigators she would not knowingly feed such food to her young son and suggested the kernels may have spilled onto the floor after preparing popcorn for her older child during a movie.
However, prosecutors presented photographs from the Airbnb that they say support their version of events.
According to authorities, the images showed popcorn kernels scattered across the floor alongside children’s toys and a nearly empty bottle of vodka.
The prosecution also alleged that the children’s mother did not immediately realize her son was in distress and that the older sibling alerted her to the emergency.
Prosecutors Allege Delay in Calling 911
One of the central issues raised during court proceedings involves the amount of time that allegedly passed before emergency services were contacted.
Prosecutors claim the toddler had died more than an hour before 911 was called.
“Her son was blue and cold to the touch,” District Attorney Donnelly said.
“They estimate, allegedly, he was dead for over an hour before 911 was called.”
The district attorney argued that the allegations go beyond a tragic accident because prosecutors believe the child was left without proper supervision.
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“It’s an accident if you leave the room for a few minutes. But it’s criminal if you actually give your child these kernels to eat and not be present in case something happens.”
Court Sets Bail as Criminal Case Moves Forward
The investigation into the child’s death continued for several months before Bithorn was arrested and arraigned on June 18.
She was initially released following her arraignment.
However, during a subsequent hearing, prosecutors requested that she be detained pending trial, citing allegations involving prior substance abuse and concerns about public safety.
The court ultimately set bail at $500,000 and issued a protective order preventing Bithorn from contacting her estranged husband or her 3-year-old daughter.
She is scheduled to return to court on July 23 as the criminal case continues.
As with all criminal proceedings, the allegations against Bithorn remain accusations, and she is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
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