Baton Rouge duo faces murder, drug charges after man overdoses on fentanyl
BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) — Two people accused of selling drugs that led to the death of a Baton Rouge man face second-degree murder charges.
According to court records, a grand jury has indicted Amanda Mason, 43, and Joshua Addison, 39, on second-degree murder charges in the death of David Picou.
On March 27, East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office deputies were called to a home in the 15000 block of Woodwick Avenue about a body. Upon arrival, deputies found a 29-year-old man dead in the bathtub. Deputies reportedly found used syringes in the bathroom as well as his cell phone, arrest documents show.
The coroner’s office believes there wasn’t any sign of trauma or foul play. According to arrest records, urine analysis shows Picou had traces of fentanyl and meth in his system.
Through investigation, detectives sent the victim’s phone to be analyzed and formed Mason and Addison as persons of interest. Authorities say both were residing at the InTown Suites on Sherwood Forest Court.
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On April 29, deputies were granted a search warrant for the rooms at the hotel. Mason and Addison were arrested and taken to the EBRSO Narcotics office.
Mason reportedly admitted to buying illegal drugs from Addison before reselling them to Picou. Addison reportedly told investigators sold drugs to Mason and the duo ingested drugs together.
Addison and Mason were booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison on charges of possession with the intent to distribute a Schedule II drug and second-degree murder.
Mason remains in jail with a $125,000 bond and Addison remains in jail with a $175,000 bond, according to jail records.
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