Florida Teen Faces Manslaughter Charges for Fatal Fentanyl Sale Which Led To Overdose Of A Fellow Teen

In Florida, a 17-year-old faces manslaughter charges for allegedly providing a lethal dose of fentanyl to a fellow classmate, prompting local law enforcement to advocate for Narcan availability in schools.

Sheriff Mike Chitwood of Volusia County expressed concern over the widespread presence of fentanyl, stating, "We're seeing fentanyl everywhere." He emphasized that this case highlights the issue as the accused and the victim were classmates who were familiar with drug suppliers.

The victim was discovered unresponsive at home in July, near a white powdery substance. 

The alleged drug dealer was arrested on manslaughter charges later, and Sheriff Chitwood revealed that the minor defendant had been supplying drugs to the victim, who attended DeLand High School, based on text messages and records.

The West Volusia Narcotics Task Force arrested the suspect on July 31, finding him in possession of approximately one gram of fentanyl and one pound of marijuana. He faced charges of selling and delivering fentanyl, possessing cannabis with intent to distribute, and unlawful use of a communication device.

Sheriff Chitwood proposed that schools have access to naloxone, commonly known as Narcan, for emergency use. He pointed out that any school district could deploy Narcan at no cost, highlighting its administration as a nasal spray or injection in case of opioid overdose.

This tragic incident marked the first reported overdose death in the Volusia County Schools district for the year. 

Currently, Narcan is not part of the district's provisions.

In another development, Landon Mathis, the mayor of Burns, Tennessee, is now facing charges of domestic assault after allegedly body-slamming his girlfriend's son during a heated dispute over $40 owed for yard work. See detailed story here.

 

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