Man Charged with Fatal Fentanyl Overdose in Indianapolis

A man has been charged with providing the fatal dose of fentanyl that killed a 31-year-old Indianapolis resident in December.

Ladell Dean, an inmate at the Hendricks County jail, is accused of supplying the drugs that led to Aaron Love's death on December 21. According to court documents, Love was found dead at his home on Caledonia Circle with foam emitting from his mouth and rigor mortis present throughout his body.

The investigation into Love's death involved the examination of his phone, which revealed communications with a number linked to Dean.

Dean has been charged with a top-level felony count of dealing a controlled substance resulting in death. He is currently being held at the Hendricks County jail on a separate charge of driving while suspended and will be extradited to Marion County to face the new charges.

"Every overdose death represents a life cut short and a family left grieving," said Kendale Adams, deputy chief of investigations for Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department. "I commend the dedication of the ODTF, the MCPO, and the Hendricks County Sheriff's Office for their coordinated efforts in this case."

"The grief of losing a loved one to a fatal overdose never goes away," said Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears. "While nothing can undo that pain, we hope the charges announced today brings a small level of comfort in knowing that there's a dedicated team of agencies working together to bring justice for Mr. Love and his family."