Two teenagers from Atlanta have been arrested and charged in connection to the fentanyl overdose death of a 16-year-old girl, according to the Gwinnett County Police Department.
The arrests: Dino Runar Bonasera, 17, was arrested and faces multiple charges, including felony murder and aggravated involuntary manslaughter for causing the overdose death. The second suspect, a 16-year-old girl whose name has not been released, is also charged as an adult with felony murder, aggravated involuntary manslaughter, and drug-related offenses.
Overdose prevention efforts: The arrests are part of Gwinnett County’s broader efforts to combat drug overdoses, especially those involving fentanyl. While the county has reported a 30% decrease in fatal overdoses this year, fentanyl-related arrests have surged by 60%, thanks to the focused efforts of the Narcotics Unit.
Austin’s Law: The case is part of the enforcement of Austin’s Law, enacted in April, which imposes a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years for those convicted of aggravated involuntary manslaughter in drug-related deaths. Seven people have been charged under the law in Gwinnett so far.
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Police Reminder: Gwinnett County Police urge residents to report any suspicious drug activity by calling the narcotics tip line at 770.513.5480. Families are also encouraged to have conversations with their children about the dangers of narcotics and counterfeit drugs to help prevent further tragedies.
⚠️ Reminder: Crime articles contain only charges and information from police reports and law enforcement statements. Suspects and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
