SACRAMENTO COUNTY, Calif. — A man was arrested and accused of murder Tuesday in connection with a fentanyl overdose death from earlier this year.
On Aug. 17, a Sacramento County resident reportedly died from fentanyl poisoning after ingesting what they believed were recreational drugs, according to the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office.
Luke Daniel Eckes, 25, is in custody after he allegedly said he knew the victim, sold the victim fentanyl and possibly overdosed on the same drugs he provided the victim with.
A sheriff’s office detective who is also a member of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) Fentanyl Overdose Response Team (FORT) through investigation reportedly learned the victim purchased drugs from Eckes, according to law enforcement.
Detectives said they then executed a search warrant at Eckes’ residence and allegedly discovered multiple M30 Percocet pills, which are commonly laced with fentanyl.
This is the first Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office homicide arrest in a fentanyl overdose case, according to deputies.
“I am proud our detectives have reached this major milestone in its fight against the devastating impact of fentanyl poisoning in our community, marking a significant step in holding those who distribute this deadly drug accountable,” said Sheriff Jim Cooper. “This case reflects the sheriff’s office’s unwavering commitment to combating the fentanyl epidemic, which has claimed too many lives and shattered countless families.”
Eckes was booked Tuesday afternoon into Sacramento County Main Jail and faces a murder charge and a felony drug possession charge, jail records show. He is ineligible for bail and scheduled to appear in Sacramento County Superior Court on Thursday, Dec. 19.
