Man Sentenced In Connection To Fatal Overdose In West Haven

WEST HAVEN, CT — A West Haven man has been sentenced to time served and three years of supervised release in connection to the overdose death of a 20-year-old man last year, according to authorities. Clarence Bell, also known as “Solo,” 22, was arrested on a federal complaint on Sept. 26, 2016 and has been released on a $25,000 bond since Sept. 29, 2016. Bell was ordered to serve the first year of supervised release in home confinement with electronic monitoring, U.S. States Attorney John H. Durham announced in a press release. The matter stems from an ongoing statewide initiative targeting narcotics dealers who distribute heroin, fentanyl or opioids that cause death or serious injury to users.

According to court documents and statements made in court, at approximately 6:10 a.m. on May 24, 2016, the West Haven Police Department and emergency medical personnel responded to a residence in West Haven on report of a sudden death of a 20-year-old male.

“Upon arrival, the initial responding patrol units determined that the death was suspicious in nature and appeared to be drug related,” authorities wrote in a press release. “The investigation, which included witness interviews and analysis of phone records and surveillance cameras, revealed that at approximately 10:00 p.m. on May 23, 2016, the victim purchased a quantity of Xanax pills from Bell. The victim them crushed approximately three of pills and snorted the powder.

“The victim’s autopsy report states the official cause of death as acute intoxication due to the combined effects of heroin, alprazolam (Xanax) and cocaine.”

Bell was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on September 26, 2016, and has been released on a $25,000 bond since September 29, 2016. On May 17, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of Xanax, a Schedule IV controlled substance.

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