UPDATE: Local teen dies from suspected overdose

Incident not isolated, police say

WILLIAMS - On Jan. 14, officers of the Williams Police Department were dispatched to a Williams residence for a report of a dead body. When officers arrived, they found a 17-year-old male deceased from undetermined causes.

A search warrant was obtained for the residence and evidence was seized in conjunction with the investigation.

The investigation has thus far shown that the prescription medication methadone may have been a factor in the death and that similar prescription medications may be unaccounted for in the community.

Williams Police Chief Herman Nixon said the department has information that the methadone was stolen from a prescription user of the narcotic.

"We also received information that some of our youth have sampled this methadone and we want it out there that methadone is a very toxic drug that is prescription only and that it almost always means death for an adolescent who takes it," Nixon said. "We want parents to be diligent and talk to their kids to say don't put anything in their body if they don't know what it is."

According to Nixon, the methadone in question was likely used by other youth in the Williams community.

"We know that a [different] kid had it in his possession and at a party they put it in some Pepsi and tasted it. I'd rather err on the side of caution and make sure that parents are being diligent and these kids understand that methadone will kill you."

Residents are advised that the medication is extremely dangerous, particularly to adolescents. The investigation has shown that the methadone was packaged as a red liquid in small white plastic bottles and has an artificial cherry flavor.

The cause of death was not immediately determined and the case will be pending further investigation with the Coconino County Medical Examiner's Office. The WPD is classifying the investigation as an open death investigation.

"Concerning the death of this young man, we're assuming things but the investigation is showing that [the methadone] may be the cause, but we're not sure and we won't know until obviously the autopsy is done and the blood work is done and we're talking four to six weeks out," Nixon said.

Anyone with any information is urged to call the WPD at (928) 635-4461. Anonymous tips can be left at any time at (928) 635-5992.