Accused NYC Heroin Dealer Faces Life in Prison for Overdose Death of Needham Man

By Brendan Krisel (Patch National Staff)

UPPER EAST SIDE, NY — Just a month-and-a-half after 29-year-old Colin Cameron died in New York City from an apparent heroin overdose, his alleged Upper East Side drug dealer, 26-year-old Dashawn Hawkins, has been arrested and is facing federal charges that could put the young man away for life.

Hawkins was arrested in a raid on his Upper East Side apartment Thursday morning, an NYPD spokesman told Patch. He's being charged with selling Cameron the heroin that would eventually lead to his death.

Cameron, a native of Needham, Mass., died on Sept. 2 from a drug overdose, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office in Manhattan.

The victim's friends from Needham and nearby towns offered their condolences to his family and shared their memories of Cameron on an online tribute page. One friend described Cameron as "a loving son, supportive brother, adoring grandson, and amazing friend"; another remembered that "he loved video games, reminiscing, and his girlfriend." Others said he was "smart," "kind-hearted" and "quick to smile."

"Like everyone who knows and loves your family, we are heartbroken by tragic loss of your beloved son Colin," wrote a member of the Kavanaugh family from Needham. "We remember Colin from years ago as a kind, thoughtful, fun loving boy and know he will be dearly missed by all who knew him. Our thoughts, prayers and love are with you all."

If convicted, Hawkins will serve a minimum sentence of 20 years in prison and, at maximum, could be put away for life, according to the U.S. Attorney's office of the Southern District of New York.

“The deadly effects of heroin are real," NYPD Commissioner James P. O’Neill said in a statement issued Thursday. "Look no further than the overdose of Colin Cameron last month in New York City."

O'Neill continued: "We will continue to investigate every single overdose and attempt to find and arrest those responsible, as alleged in today's charges against Dashawn Hawkins."

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