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The following was taken from a press release distributed by the Gwinnett County Police Department on July 12, 2024:
GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. – The Gwinnett County Police Department has obtained murder and manslaughter charges for a drug dealer accused of selling dangerous drugs laced with fentanyl. On May 20, 2024, officers responded to the 2000 block of Clear View Drive in Snellville for a medical call.
When officers arrived, they located Jaspen Screws in an unresponsive state inside the residence. Mr. Screws was transported to a local hospital where he later died.
The case was then assigned to investigators within the department’s Special Investigations Section. During the follow up investigation, detectives determined that Mr. Screws died from a fentanyl overdose.
Investigators identified Cara Edelkind as the person who sold the illegal drugs to Mr. Screws. Cara Edelkind was arrested and charged with “Austin’s Law” O.C.G.A. 16-5-3.1 Aggravated Involuntary Manslaughter for a Fentanyl Overdose Death.
This law states that a person commits the offense when he or she causes the fentanyl overdose death of another human being without the intent to cause the death of said human being by intentionally manufacturing or selling any substance that contains fentanyl, after representing that such substance was any controlled substance. She was also charged with felony murder and the sale of a controlled substance.
If anyone has any information to share in this case, please contact GCPD detectives at 770.513.5300. To remain anonymous, tipsters should contact Crime Stoppers at 404.577.TIPS (8477) or visit www.stopcrimeATL.com.
Crime Stoppers tipsters can receive a cash reward for information leading to an arrest and indictment in this case.