MIAMI COUNTY, IN — This from fox59.com: A drug transaction at a fast food restaurant in Peru led to a fatal overdose earlier this year.
The Lafayette man the victim reportedly bought drugs from is now being charged in relation to the death.
According to court documents, Stephen Baber was charged in Miami County with:
- One count of dealing in a controlled substance resulting in death, a Level 1 felony
- Two counts of dealing in cocaine or narcotic drug, each a Level 4 felony
- One count of dealing in cocaine or narcotic drug, a Level 5 felony
In the early morning hours of March 19, first responders in Peru were dispatched to an incident involving an unconscious man. When crews arrived, a person was doing chest compressions on a man who was lying on the bathroom floor.
The man was later pronounced dead. At the scene, the court documents said a mirror was located lying on top of a dresser with white powder residue.
As part of the investigation, witnesses reportedly led law enforcement to Baber’s alleged involvement. The court documents stated that witnesses told law enforcement that a group, which reportedly included the victim, purchased heroin from Baber at a fast food restaurant in Peru.
Law enforcement reportedly confirmed the meeting occurred through security footage at the restaurant. An examination of cell phones also reportedly showed transactions through CashApp as well as texts “that supported drug purchases and cash transfers.”
The cause of death of the victim, who was not identified in the court documents, was eventually determined to be an accidental overdose.
The court documents indicate that Baber’s trial is set for late August after Baber’s legal team provided a preliminary plea of not guilty to the charges.
