Pubdate: Fri, 20 Apr 2007
Source: Portsmouth Herald (NH)
Copyright: 2007 Seacoast Newspapers
Contact:  http://www.seacoastonline.com/news/index.htm
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1157
Author: Emily Quirk	
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/heroin.htm (Heroin)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?132 (Heroin Overdose)

MAN GUILTY IN HEROIN DEATH OF GIRL, 18

Overdose Killed Local Teen

BRENTWOOD -- The man who gave heroin to 18-year-old Caitlyn Brady of 
Kingston last year, resulting in her death, was found guilty by a 
Rockingham County jury Wednesday.

Dante C. Silva, 22, of 48 Highland St., Newton was found guilty of 
dispensing a controlled drug with death resulting. On March 15, 2006, 
Caitlyn died from the toxic effects of heroin dispensed by Silva.

"I am pleased with the jury's verdict. I hope this sends a message 
that even casual drug use can kill, and that those who provide 
dangerous drugs to others will be held accountable for the 
destruction that they cause to our society and this family," 
Rockingham County Attorney James Reams said.

Reams thanked Kingston Detective Joel Johnson and Drug Enforcement 
Agency (DEA) Agent Mike Cashman for their painstaking investigation, 
and the prosecution team. Deputy County Attorney Tom Reid, Assistant 
County Attorney Lisa Rick and victim witness advocate Tara Longo were 
also involved in the prosecution efforts.

"Finally, I hope that this will bring some comfort and closure to 
Caitlyn's family," Reams said.

Silva was indicted in Rockingham County Superior Court in Brentwood 
last year for allegedly dispensing a controlled drug, death 
resulting, and falsifying physical evidence.

Silva was the boyfriend of Caitlyn, who died of a heroin overdose at 
Silva's home.

He pleaded not guilty at the arraignment.

According to court papers he "knowingly dispensed a quantity of the 
controlled drug heroin to Caitlyn Brady, and subsequently, said 
heroin was injected into or ingested by, Caitlyn Brady, resulting in 
her death."

Reams alleged that Silva took the heroin and syringes from the scene 
at his Highland Street home and threw them in a Dumpster several miles away.

According to court papers, "Dante Silva believing that an 
investigation into the death of Caitlyn Brady was about to be 
instituted, purposely removed a quantity of heroin and drug 
paraphernalia from a residence in Newton and concealed said evidence 
within a trash Dumpster in Plaistow, and he did so with a purpose to 
impair its availability in such investigation."

Another individual was indicted last year in connection with the 
death of Caitlyn Brady. Robert Drew, of 6 Towle Road, Kingston was 
charged as an accomplice to dispensing controlled drug, death 
resulting. Reams said a third individual, Jay Simes, of 9 Old Coach 
Road, Kingston was arrested on drug charges in connection with the 
death; according to Reams, Drew allegedly drove the car in which 
Simes rode to Massachusetts to purchase the heroin.

Silva's sentencing should occur within 30 to 45 days on the 
felony-level offense that carries a penalty up to life in prison. He 
is out on bail pending sentencing.

"Caitlyn was a sweet, loving 18-year-old with a smile that would melt 
your heart," Gayle Brady told The Rockingham News last year. "We have 
complete faith that the truth about what happened on March 15 will 
come out through trial and the people responsible for Caitlyn's death 
will see the justice that is deserved."

Caitlyn was a former cheerleader, member of the 4-H Club in Hampstead 
and a former member of the Sanborn Regional High School Class of 2006.
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman