Man Charged with First-Degree Murder in Connection with Elk City Fentanyl Death

November 5, 2024 Featured Slider, News
2-601

November 5, 2024

A man from Elk City has been charged with first-degree murder following an overdose death. According to an affidavit filed in Beckham County, 36-year-old Jose Antonio Acevedo is accused of selling the deadly drugs that resulted in the man’s death.

The investigation began on August 7, 2023, when Elk City Police were called to Great Plains Regional Medical Center in Elk City after a man was found unresponsive in a vehicle outside the emergency room. Medical staff attempted to revive the man, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Witnesses reported that Acevedo, who had previously driven the man to the hospital, appeared frantic, yelling for help before fleeing the scene. According to law enforcement, Acevedo’s mother arrived shortly after and informed police that her son had just told her about a friend’s death.

The investigation quickly led police back to Acevedo’s Elk City residence where authorities executed a search warrant. Officers uncovered evidence linking Acevedo to the distribution of Fentanyl-laced pills, including surveillance footage, electronic transactions, and cell phone data. Officers also reportedly found drug paraphernalia, including a glass pipe testing positive for methamphetamine residue.

Further evidence from eyewitnesses indicated that Acevedo had sold the victim five Fentanyl pills for $50 just days before his death. GPS and social media data confirmed that the deceased had visited Acevedo’s residence shortly before his passing, and video footage showed the man injecting drugs while inside Acevedo’s home.

Detectives believe Acevedo’s actions meet the legal standards for first-degree murder under Oklahoma State Law, as the victim’s death allegedly resulted directly from drugs sold to him by Acevedo.

Acevedo is currently being held without bond as the investigation continues. His next court appearance has not yet been scheduled.