Pubdate: Fri, 02 Mar 2018
Source: Boston Globe (MA)
Copyright: 2018 Globe Newspaper Company
Contact: http://services.bostonglobe.com/news/opeds/letter.aspx?id=6340
Website: http://bostonglobe.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/52

PROPOSED LAW COULD DEFINE DRUG-INDUCED HOMICIDE AS MURDER

PROVIDENCE - Rhode Island lawmakers have introduced legislation that
could have drug dealers who sell substances that lead to a fatal
overdose facing life in prison.

Current law states any person convicted in the sale, delivery, or
distribution of a controlled substance to a minor who overdoses could
face a life sentence.

The new proposal introduced by Attorney General Peter Kilmartin,
Democratic House Speaker Nicholas Mattiello, and Senator Hanna Gallo
would include victims of any age.

If passed, the legislation would be named ''Kristen's Law,'' in honor
of Kristen Coutu. The 29-year-old was found dead in her car after
overdosing on fentanyl in 2014.

Aaron Andrade allegedly sold the drug to Coutu, and he was sentenced
to 40 years in prison with 20 to serve.
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