26-year-old Trystan McMillon, from Hammond, was arrested on charges of second-degree murder after allegedly selling fentanyl that led to a fatal overdose. Hammond Police Chief Edwin Bergeron reported that McMillon sold the potent synthetic opioid to 27-year-old Nicholas Platt who later died from an overdose.
“We used to call them overdoses they are now called poisoning. There are people out here every single day who are doing narcotics that are getting lethal doses of fentanyl and we need to do everything we can to stop that.”
The Fentanyl Overdose Response (FOR) Team has seized 8 pounds of fentanyl since January as the deadly drug has contributed to a surge in overdose deaths in Louisiana. Bergeron stresses that those who sell drugs that result in death can face severe charges, including murder.
“We are going after the people that are selling the fentanyl that are poisoning members of our community.”
Platt’s father, Jay Platt says he hopes this will lead to more fentanyl-related arrests and spare other families from losing a child or other loved ones.
“They treated our sone with humanity and dignity. He was a loving father and a son. He had a daughter he adored dearly. Without their tireless efforts we would never see justice done, and hopefully this will keep other families from standing here. Thank you.”
McMillon was booked into the Tangipahoa Parish Jail and will soon be presented to a Tangipahoa Parish grand jury. Bergeron believes this type of case has never been prosecuted in the 21st Judicial District.
