Local & State Headlines

Death blamed on Methadone

• Methadone is commonly found on Albany streets, a GBI official says.

J.D. Sumner

LEESBURG — A man who overdosed last November and was left to die at his Fussell Road by a friend succumbed to toxic levels of the drug Methadone, a drug normally ued to treat heroin addiction, investigators say.

Jarrod Wills, who was found dead Nov. 10 at his Fussell Road home, overdosed on Methadone, GBI Special-Agent-In-Charge Mike Lewis said.

“He had toxic levels of Methadone in his system,” Lewis said.

Wills’ friend Matt Blankenship was indicted Tuesday for involuntary manslaughter, reckless conduct and concealing a death in connection with the Georgia Southwestern State University student’s death, court records show.

Lewis said Thursday that investigators still aren’t sure how Wills obtained the Methadone or when he used it, but he said the drug is commonly found on the streets of Albany.

According to the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, Methadone is a narcotic primarily used to treat Heroin addiction but has also been used to treat forms of cocaine addiction.

“It’s a very strong narcotic,” Lewis said. “And it’s pretty prevalent on the streets.”

When administered through clinics, the Drug Policy Office says that Methadone is a safe, effective way to help a heroin addict kick the habit, but that when not used under a doctor’s supervision, the drug is addictive and could cause death.

According to police reports, Wills’ body was discovered after deputies had been dispatched to his home to check on him.

Blankenship, who was described by friends to police as a close friend of Wills, reportedly drove the “barely conscious” college student to a friend’s house in Albany around 3 a.m. the morning he was found dead, police reports show.

More Headlines>>