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A middle school student has been arrested and the teen was charged in the drug related overdose death of a 14 year old girl in Pima County, Arizona. According to news reports, Sophia Urquilla died from a fentanyl overdose.
The death did not happen on school grounds and the young male in connection with the case will be charged as a juvenile because of his age. The reports surrounding the event show felony charges against him.
It seems everywhere we look the opioid crisis reminds us we have a long way to go in ending the problem of addiction. Even young teens are not immune to this epidemic.
The suspect faces a range of charges. These include manslaughter, violation of a drug free school zone and involving a minor in a drug offense. According to Urquilla’s family the teen had not been ill and was found in bed deceased.
Toxicology results show fentanyl in her bloodstream at four and a half times the level of lethality. THC was also detected in the victim’s body. The autopsy results listed the cause of death as an accidental overdose.
Police arrested and charged the 14-year-old teen male approximately two weeks after Sophia’s death from overdose.
According to police reports, detectives didn’t find drugs at the suspect’s home. But they did locate electronic tablets and cell phones. These devices are routinely seized in criminal investigations such as these.
Forensic detectives probe these technologies for crucial evidence such as digital communications and other relevant online activity.
Further information on the tragedy is limited given the ages of the juveniles involved. The case is ongoing but all we know for now is this is yet another harsh lesson from the fight against opioids. We are making progress but there is much work to be done to end this war.
It is increasingly crucial for caregivers, healthcare providers and policymakers to be proactive. Now more than ever young people must have prompt and certain access to the mental health and addiction recovery services they need to live the long and happy life they deserve.
