A months-long overdose investigation has led to homicide-related drug charges after detectives linked a fatal overdose to an alleged dealer, authorities said.
NEW KENSINGTON, Pa. — A 46-year-old Arnold man has been charged with drug delivery resulting in death after investigators alleged he supplied drugs that caused a New Kensington man’s fatal overdose in December 2025.
Delino Franklin is charged with drug delivery resulting in death and possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance.
According to New Kensington Police and the Westmoreland County Detective Bureau, officers and paramedics responded to a residence on Bell Street after receiving a report of a man in cardiac arrest.
The victim was found unresponsive in a bedroom. Despite lifesaving efforts by first responders, he was pronounced dead.
A preliminary drug screening conducted by the Westmoreland County Coroner’s Office indicated the presence of fentanyl.
During the investigation, detectives recovered surveillance video showing the victim briefly meeting with an individual in a vehicle shortly before the overdose. Investigators identified the vehicle’s registered owner and determined Franklin was driving the vehicle that day.
Authorities also conducted a forensic examination of the victim’s cellphone, which they said revealed communications between the victim and Franklin on the day of the overdose.
Search warrants executed at Franklin’s residence and on his electronic devices led to the seizure of psilocybin mushrooms, green pressed pills and other items investigators said were consistent with narcotics distribution.
Police said the victim’s mother later found four green pressed pills inside the victim’s bedroom.
According to investigators, laboratory testing determined that pills recovered from both the victim’s residence and Franklin’s residence contained methamphetamine and fentanyl.
A forensic pathologist ruled the victim’s cause of death was toxicity from methamphetamine and fentanyl by ingestion.
Franklin remains incarcerated in the Westmoreland County Prison on a separate criminal case.
The charges are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Key Points
- An Arnold man has been charged with drug delivery resulting in death in a fatal New Kensington overdose case.
- Investigators allege surveillance video, cellphone evidence and seized narcotics linked the suspect to the victim.
- Laboratory testing found methamphetamine and fentanyl in pills recovered during the investigation.
