Two people involved in the March 2 death of Richard Keller Jr. in Destrehan were both booked on a charge of second-degree murder.
According to the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office, detectives responded to a call at 128 Commercial Place in Destrehan regarding the death of Richard Keller Jr., which was believed to be a drug-related overdose.
During the investigation, detectives arrested Jaime Hymel and Roderick Hackett, who were both charged with distribution of heroin and other narcotics related violations.
Last week, detectives received a copy of the coroner’s report that was conducted as a result of Keller’s death. The report listed the cause of death as multiple drug toxicities, heroin and fentanyl overdose and ethanol intoxication.
Based on these results, Hackett and Hymel, who were being held in Nelson Coleman Correctional Center as of Wednesday, were re-booked on second-degree murder.
“Many believe that drug use is a nonviolent crime,” said St. Charles Parish Sheriff Greg Champagne. “Any activity that leads to so many deaths is anything but nonviolent.
“We vigorously investigate incidents of drug overdoses and will hold those selling or administering these drugs accountable when death occurs. Anyone who either sells or participates in drug use needs to understand that the consequences extend much further than their illegal drug activity, they may also be charged with murder.”
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