A Merrick mother with an admitted drug and alcohol dependency was held on bail of half a million dollars in court after she was charged with the death of her 18-month-old son, who choked on unpopped popcorn. Olivia Bithorn, who wept as she appeared in court, pleaded not guilty during her arraignment on charges of manslaughter in the death of her son, Luke Russell Jr., and two counts of child endangerment for drinking while the toddler and his 3-year-old sister were left unattended from April 12 into the next day. Bithorn was released on her own recognizance on June 18 with the understanding that she would wear an ankle monitor and be confined to a drug and alcohol treatment facility. More at the link in bio. (Photo: James Carbone) . . . #longisland #longislandny #nassaucounty #merrick