Dealer charged with murder for selling to man who died of overdose, police say

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — A man has been charged with murder after police say he sold drugs to a 22-year-old who died of an overdose.

Police responded to an apartment on Ashford-Dunwoody Road in March and found Alex Whitehead unconscious.

Channel 2's Mike Petchenik learned Whitehead overdosed on a deadly mix of fentanyl-laced heroin.

"When tragedies like the one that occurred in March happen, those that cause those tragedies must know they will be held accountable," Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr said.

Police said they traced the drugs back to Antoin Thornton.

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Pictures show needles, cash and other items police found during searches at two DeKalb County homes. Deputy Chief District Attorney Lance Cross says his office is now prosecuting Thronton on felony murder charge.

"We haven't done this before in DeKalb County that I'm aware of," Cross told Petchenik.

Prosecutors have also charged Daja Shaw with trafficking and drug posession. Police told Petchenik their investigation is not over and they expect more charges from the case.

"Every OD has a ripple effect. It doesn't just affect the victim, but it affects their family. It affects the community," Carr said.

Cox Media Group