NCJ Number
156406
Journal
Canadian Society of Forensic Science Journal Volume: 28 Issue: 2 Dated: special issue (June 1995) Pages: 107-111
Date Published
1995
Length
5 pages
Annotation
A case history involving a fatal methamphetamine overdose at the site of a clandestine laboratory in Canada is presented, and evidence from the scene, conversations relevant to the victim's state of intoxication prior to death, and pathological and toxicological findings are reviewed.
Abstract
A 31-year-old female escort died suddenly during a visit to a client at his home. The client, a former pharmacist, manufactured methamphetamine at his residence. The victim was known by her friends to be a soft drug user. Police investigation revealed she smoked cannabis, used some prescription medications, and snorted cocaine on occasion. After the incident, a search of the client's house uncovered the remains of a hastily dismantled methamphetamine laboratory in the garage and two samples of methamphetamine. Investigation of the client revealed he employed young women from escort agencies in the past. Findings of the police pathological investigation were consistent with death due to drug overdose. The client pled guilty to a charge of manufacturing a controlled drug. He was fined $5,000 and sentenced to 1 day in jail, or 9 months in default. Police investigators suspected the client forcibly injected the victim with methamphetamine but did not intend to kill her. They felt he tried to counteract her hyperactivity and seizures with alprazolam and misjudged her unconsciousness that followed for sedation. 5 references and 2 tables