Urine, feces found in sink, tub of N.Y. home where 11-year-old child died of suspected drug overdose

Syracuse, N.Y. — The Syracuse home where 11-year-old Ashton DeGonzaque was found dying of a suspected drug overdose has been declared unfit.

The first-floor apartment of 604 E. Division St. had urine and feces in the tub and sink, so much that both were backed up, according to a report by Syracuse Code Enforcement.

There were also bottles filled with urine in what appeared to be a child’s bedroom, according to the inspection and violation report. The inspection was done March 8, after Ashton was found in full cardiac arrest and later died at Upstate University Hospital.

Ashton’s family said they were told he died of a drug overdose — a cocktail of fentanyl, cocaine and cannabis. Police have not confirmed the cause of death.

Aside from the feces and urine found the day Ashton died, there was trash strewn throughout the house, according to the code violation report. The windows were broken and there was no heat or light, according to the report.

The landlord, Tony Borelli, did not return a phone call seeking comment.

A child protective caseworker and supervisor have been put on unpaid leave because of Ashton’s death.

Family members, community members and school officials made multiple reports to CPS about the child’s living conditions. Several told Syracuse.com that their concerns fell on deaf ears. In November, Ashton found a dead man in the apartment. The apparent cause of death there was a drug overdose, as well.

Ashton’s great-uncle Robert DeGonzaque, who had been taking care of him until late October, said he was told caseworkers were visiting the home every two weeks after he moved out of state.

DeGonzaque’s family has rented that apartment for several decades, but it was only this fall that he and his father, Jeremy DeGonzaque, were there without any other family members. During that time, neighbors and family described a steady stream of people coming and going in the house.