Hollister police have arrested a 17-year-old male on suspicion
of providing over-the-counter medication to another 17-year-old
male, leading to his overdose death Feb. 8, according to a
statement from the police department. Police arrested the teenager
Tuesday with a recommended charge of manslaughter and booked him
into juvenile hall.
Hollister police have arrested a 17-year-old male on suspicion of providing over-the-counter medication to another 17-year-old male, leading to his overdose death Feb. 8, according to a statement from the police department.
Police arrested the teenager Tuesday with a recommended charge of manslaughter and booked him into juvenile hall.
The fire department first responded at 8 a.m. Feb. 8 to a report of an unconscious male at a residence in the 400 block of Primavera Drive. There, they found the deceased teenager, Marcos Gonzales, according to police.
There were no visible signs of foul play on the scene, but an autopsy’s initial toxicology reports showed that the victim died from an overdose of medication.
Through investigation, detectives developed information that the suspect provided over-the-counter medicine and another substance to Gonzales, a Hollister resident.
Investigators believe the medication was Coricidin Cough & Cold – known otherwise on the street as “Triple C’s,” according to police. High doses of the active ingredient in the tablets – dextromethorphan – have been linked to liver failure, brain damage, coma and death, according to police.
The police department encourages all parents to speak to their kids about the dangers of taking high doses of cold medicine or any medication not prescribed to them.
Police are still actively investigating the case and anyone with information is asked to call Detective Don Pershall at 636-4330, or to remain anonymous residents can call WeTIP at (800) 78-CRIME.
Look back for more on this breaking story.
