Two people charged in connection with fentanyl overdose death in Coles County
![Two people charged in connection with fentanyl overdose death in Coles County Two people charged in connection with fentanyl overdose death in Coles County](https://www.mywabashvalley.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/62/2024/06/cuffs_1523911237112_40000052_ver1.0.png?w=1280)
CHARLESTON, Ill. (WTWO/WAWV) – Two 20-year-olds from Coles County have been arrested for a drug-related murder.
According to Charleston police, the charges relate to events on May 26. That day, police were called to the 100 block of 13th Street because a man was unresponsive.
According to police, the unidentified man subsequently died from the toxic effects of fentanyl.
On Friday, police announced the arrest of 20-year-old Josiah H. Vingara on charges of “drug-induced homicide” in connection with the incident. Vingara was taken to the Coles County Jail.
In addition, Samara R. Johnson was arrested by police for obstruction of justice (concealment/destruction of evidence).
Johnson was taken to the Coles County Jail and has since been released.
According to court records, Johnson will have a status hearing Monday morning. Vingara was denied pretrial release at a June 20 hearing in Coles County.
On July 17, Vingara pleaded not guilty and was assigned a public defender. The judge found that pretrial detention was still necessary and ordered that he remain in custody.
A pretrial hearing in the Vingara case is scheduled for August 8, and a jury trial is scheduled for September 30.