Teen charged with manslaughter after B.C. girl’s fentanyl overdose: RCMP

Fake Oxycontin pills containing fentanyl are displayed during a news conference at RCMP headquarters in Surrey, B.C., on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2015. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck)

Mounties in British Columbia say a 17-year-old suspect has been arrested and charged with manslaughter following the fatal fentanyl overdose of a teenage girl.

The 16-year-old victim was rushed to hospital in Prince George in June 2024, suffering the effects of an acute overdose of the synthetic opioid.

The girl died in hospital days later, triggering an RCMP investigation into the source of the drugs.

Officers with the Prince George RCMP were initially called to a home in the 7600 block of McMaster Crescent, in the city’s College Heights neighbourhood, around 7 a.m. after the girl was found unconscious.

• Read more: RCMP investigating after 16-year-old girl in serious condition from fentanyl overdose

In a statement following her death, the RCMP said the investigation would be a top priority for the local detachment’s serious crimes unit.

In an update Thursday, investigators said the B.C. Prosecution Service has approved a charge of manslaughter against a 17-year-old suspect, who was arrested on Jan. 13.

The suspect, whose identity is protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, appeared in court later that day and was released from custody with conditions.

“This is a tragedy, and our thoughts continue to be with the deceased’s family,” said Staff Sgt. Aaron Whitehouse in a statement.

“We also recognize that this event has had a larger impact on the community, including the accused and their family.”

The statement encourages parents, guardians and teachers to discuss with young people the “inherent dangers” of using unprescribed drugs.

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