Arrest on Charge of Drug-Induced Homicide in Local Man's Death

An arrest has been made on a charge of drug-induced homicide in the death of a local man.

(WHITEHEAD)

49-year-old Darnell Whitehead of Effingham was arrested on a warrant Thursday. Whitehead is charged with selling drugs to 25-year-old Keith Lasher of Effingham last October that led to Lasher's death.

Drug-induced homicide is a Class X felony, punishable by six to 30 years in prison. Probation is not an option.

Lasher was found by a relative the morning of October 30 at a residence west of Effingham along US Route 40. Lasher reportedly purchased the drugs on October 29, used the drugs and became ill, allegedly resulting in his death. Prosecutors allege Whitehead told authorities he sold drugs to Lasher. It's alleged an overdose of Fentanyl led to Lasher's death.

Whitehead's bond has been set at $750,000. He is next due in court at 9am on Tuesday, April 7 for his first appearance with Public Defender Scott Schmidt.