Woman charged with poisoning stepson

BATAVIA, NY - An Elmira woman is being held on charges of poisoning her 21-month old stepson.

Melissa Englehardt, 24, was arrested and charged with first degree manslaughter after an investigation by Elmira and Batavia police departments.

The toddler, Andrew, lived with his mother, Kristen Cianfrini, in Batavia. He died November 10 at his father’s home in Elmira. The Monroe County medical examiners office reported the cause of death as methanol poisoning. Methanol is found in anti-freeze, windshield washer fluid and dry gas.

The child’s family lives in Batavia. Survivors include his brother Michael and his grandparents John and Jean Cianfrini.

City of Batavia police are working in conjunction with Elmira police on the case.

Police say the father of the child, George Englehardt was not involved in his son’s death.