16-Year-Old Dead After Fentanyl Laced Percoset Overdose, Dealer Charged

Adam Devine

BETHESDA, MD – A 16-year-old male was found dead back in January, and this week, the Montgomery County Police Department has determined his death to be a fentanyl overdose.

According to police, on Monday, January 17, officers responded to an address in the 6100 block of Massachusetts Avenue in Bethesda, MD. Inside the residence, a 16-year-old male was discovered deceased.

“Inside the residence, investigators located evidence that indicated that the victim may have suffered a fatal overdose on counterfeit Percocet pills. This suspicion was confirmed after an autopsy at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined the cause of death to be Fentanyl intoxication,” the MCPD said. “Additionally, suspected counterfeit pills discovered in the victim’s room tested positive as Fentanyl.
During the subsequent investigation, detectives identified 23-year-old Mikiyas Maryie Kefyalew of Piney Branch, as the individual who sold the pills to the victim.”

Kefyalew was arrested on April 14, 2022, and charged with one count of Distribution of a Narcotic. Additional charges may be forthcoming as this investigation continues, police said.


Montgomery County Chief of Police Marcus Jones stated, “This case is another tragic example of the harms that can occur with counterfeit pills containing Fentanyl. These pills add another deadly layer to the opiate crisis facing our communities. Individuals, including young people, take a drug they believe to have minimal harm, but end up taking a substance that is extremely deadly,” said Jones. “It’s critical for the community to understand that these pills, even for a first-time user, can be deadly. This arrest is part of my committed efforts to focus investigative resources toward those who take advantage of our community by selling and providing these deadly substances. I thank Chief Victor Brito of the Rockville City Police Department, and our other partners, for being part of this effort with us.”

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