OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - The Oklahoma House has approved legislation that would allow first-degree murder charges against the makers and dealers of synthetic drugs if fatal overdoses occur.
The measure passed Thursday on an 89-1 vote and was sent to the Senate for consideration of House amendments.
The bill expands the definition of first-degree murder to include deaths resulting from the manufacture or distribution of a synthetic drug. First-degree murder is punishable by death or life in prison with or without the possibility of parole.
The measure's author, Rep. Tom Newell of Seminole, says he was saddened by the deaths of Stacy Jewell and Andrew Ackerman, both East Central University students, last year after they used a designer drug purchased on the internet. Current law does not provide for a first-degree murder charge against the drug's supplier. Cody Weddle is charged with second degree murder in their deaths.
(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
Posted: 06/17/2013 - ARDMORE, Okla. —The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation announced the 2013-2014 recipients of the Sam Noble Scholarships this week, awarding $140,000 in scholarships to 10 southern Oklahoma students.
Posted: 06/13/2013 - DURANT, Okla. -- Southeastern Oklahoma State University has scheduled Camp SE for June 23-24, July 21-22 and July 28-29 on campus.
Updated: 06/10/2013 - (LEONARD,TEXAS) -- Leonard residents are worried that piles of tires sitting at a vacant service shop are attracting mosquitoes and endagering their health
