Partners Against Narcotics Trafficking detectives were called to a home in the 4000 block of E. Wild Stallion Trail, in the Verde Villages, on Monday, Oct. 21, regarding an overdose death involving a 17-year-old boy.
Detectives learned that a friend of the teen, later identified as Kevin De Leon, went to check on De Leon after sending several text messages with no response. The friend allegedly entered the home and reportedly found De Leon face down on his bed and cold to the touch.
Medical personnel were called and upon arrival determined De Leon was deceased.
During an examination of the teen’s bedroom, PANT detectives found an open safe near him that contained 24 off-white pills stamped “30” above a bifurcating line on one side and “M” enscribed in a square on the opposite side.
The pills match the official identifying imprint code markings of 30 mg oxycodone hydrochloride, a Schedule 2 opioid listed as a controlled substance under the Controlled Substance Act, manufactured by Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals in Hazelwood, Mo.
The pills were not immediately tested by PANT, however with the markings of “30” and “M” the off color appearance, along with current trends associating the overall appearance with fentanyl, PANT detectives believe them to be mimic oxycodone but containing fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid analgesic that is similar to morphine but is 50 to 100 times more potent.
Detectives also alleged the teen was selling the pills based on the amount of pills found along with a large amount of US currency in smaller denominations.
PANT detectives have opened an investigation in an attempt to determine the source of these pills.
De Leon’s body was released to the custody of the Yavapai County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Initial test results from the Medical Examiner indicate presumptive for fentanyl.
A former student at Mingus Union High School in Cottonwood, De Leon was employed in Jerome. A GoFundMe account has been set up to pay for the teenager’s funeral expenses. As of press time, it had raised $2,301 raised of a $6,000 goal.
Yavapai Silent Witness is offering a $1,000 reward for any tip leading to the arrest of people dealing fentanyl. Call 1800-932-3232 or report a tip online at yavapaisw.com.
