Fentanyl Overdose Death: Teen Who Sold Pills Sentenced in Minnesota
WEST ST PAUL, MINNESOTA - Dakota County Attorney Kathy Keena's office announced today that 19-year-old Parker Benson from Bloomington, Minnesota, had been sentenced in connection to the death of a 15-year-old girl from West St. Paul, Minnesota after he sold pills to the girl that contained fentanyl.
The criminal complaint states that on April 20, 2022, West St Paul Police were called to a residence after the 15-year-old girl's Mother found her face down on her bed, unconscious and not breathing. It was reported that next to the girl were blue pills. The mother called 911 and performed CPR on the girl. She was eventually transported to a local hospital, where she was pronounced dead. The cause of death was determined to be fentanyl toxicity per the Ramsey County Medical Examiner's Office.
It was reported that an investigation was conducted, and text messages linked Benson to the sale of four pills to the young girl.
According to the press release, Benson pleaded guilty to one count of 3rd Degree Murder (Sell, give, or distribute I or II controlled substance) back in February 2024. The judge in this case, Judge Cynthia McCollum, sentenced Benson to 180 days in jail, up to 10 years of probation, and must complete a substance use treatment program. The press release states this sentencing is less than the Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines. While no plea agreement was made, it was reported that the state had asked for a prison sentence of 74 months, which was the recommendation from the presentence investigation but was on the lower end of the scale for a charge such as this.
In a statement from Dakota County Attorney Kathy Keena, she states,
Today’s sentencing is unfortunate and a disappointment as a young girl lost her life due to the actions of Mr. Benson. Dakota County is not immune to illicit fentanyl poisoning and it’s taking too many young lives in our community. My deepest sympathies to the victim’s family members, friends and loved ones.
The Dakota County Attorney's Office would like to remind everyone that fentanyl poisoning remains a serious health crisis not only in Dakota County but across the state. Help is available to anyone who suspects a friend or family member might require it, and they provided a link to knowthedangers.com so you can find resources for help for your friend or family member in Minnesota.
While it is recommended that if you suspect someone is overdoing, you immediately call 911, the Dakota County Attorney's Office additionally wanted to let the community know that Narcan is a valuable, lifesaving tool that is used to reverse the effects of opioid overdoses rapidly. They provided a link to the Steve Rummier Hope Network for anyone wanting to find the nearest Narcan Access Point in Minnesota and training location.
Parker Benson Mugshot Provided by the Dakota County Jail
Written by: Will Wight
