Soldier Charged In Teen’s Overdose Death
FORT LEWIS, Wash. (AP) — The Army has charged a 19-year-old soldier from Indiana in the fatal drug overdose of a teenage girl at Fort Lewis.
Pvt. Timothy E. Bennitt of Rolling Prairie, Ind., was charged Tuesday with involuntary manslaughter, wrongful use and distribution of controlled substances, and conspiracy to use controlled substances.
He is being investigated in the death of 16-year-old Leah King of Lakewood. Officials say the two had been dating for about a month when she was found dead in the barracks on Feb. 15.
Investigators say King overdosed on an antidepressant and a painkiller, some of which was crushed and inhaled.
If convicted, Bennitt could face up to 82 years in confinement, forfeiture of pay and allowances, and a dishonorable discharge.
