A new dangerous drug could be a contributing factor in the death of a 19-year-old man in Lamar County.
The Lamar County Sheriff's Office says they're investigating whether a codeine syrup concoction, known as "lean," may have played a part in the death of Ryan Lovick.
Investigators say Lovick died last Wednesday in the home he shares with his mother. They say she discovered him unresponsive in his bedroom.
Authorities allege Ryan Lovick was abandoned by 21-year-old Katherine Norden, 19-year-old Jessica Casteel and 21-year-old Elbert Horton.
"What they stated was he was cold to the touch and they didn't call any emergency services, did not call 911. They left the house, the residence, and went on about their daily activities," said Captain Todd Pippen of the Lamar County Sheriff's Office.
Pippen said that three posted a $2,000 bond after investigators charged them last Thursday with abandonment of a dead body.
FOX 5 could not reach Lovick and Horton; Norden had no comment.
Pippen says a toxicology report should determine the exact cause of death. That report should be released next week. Pippen says that a contributing factor is believed to be lean, which is a mixture containing Promethazen, codeine syrup and another beverage.
Pippen says all three suspects told investigators about their partying with Ryan Lovick late Tuesday night shortly before his death.
"There was the mention…that the victim had ingested lean," Pippen said. "You just don't abandon and leave him there."
Promethazene is often used as a sedative in pre-surgery or used to treat motion sickness.
Pippen says the district attorney will present the case to the grand jury with the recommendation that charges be upgraded to concealment of a body, which carries a stiffer sentence than the current charge.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 11:48 PM EDT2013-06-19 03:48:59 GMT
The Woodstock Police Department says a police K-9 died after being left in his handler's patrol car.Spartacus, a 3-year-old Belgian Malinois, was found dead in his handler's patrol car. Authorities later
The Woodstock Police Department says a police K-9 died after being left in his handler's patrol car.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 11:38 PM EDT2013-06-19 03:38:42 GMT
The City Council of Chamblee has delayed a controversial land rezoning variance. The Council also issued a preliminary resolution saying that they wanted to fire their own manager.
The City Council of Chamblee has delayed a controversial land rezoning variance. The Council also issued a preliminary resolution saying that they wanted to fire their own manager.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 10:53 PM EDT2013-06-19 02:53:05 GMT
A local couple is happy to hear that members of a morning radio show fired for mocking a former ex-NFL star battling ALS now admit that they went too far.
A local couple is happy to hear that members of a morning radio show fired for mocking a former ex-NFL star battling ALS now admit that they went too far.
Ryan Lovick, a former baseball player at Lamar High School, died last Thursday.
Authorities allege Ryan Lovick was abandoned by 21-year-old Katherine Norden, 19-year-old Jessica Casteel and 21-year-old Elbert Horton. (Photo courtesy Barnesville Dispatch)
