Nov 14, 2014 2 min read

A Fayette County coroner’s jury ruled that the overdose death of a Belle Vernon man was a homicide following an inquest Thursday, clearing the way for the prosecution of a Monongahela man who allegedly provided him the heroin.

Terrence Lee Kelly, 40, of 209 Ninth St., was arrested last month by Southwest Regional police in connection with the Sept. 4, 2013, drug overdose death of Brian Johnson, 41, of 323 Green St., Belle Vernon. Kelly is charged with drug delivery resulting in death, aggravated assault, involuntary manslaughter, possession with intent to deliver, reckless endangerment, tampering with evidence and obstruction of the administration of law.

Police Chief John Hartman said drug delivery resulting in death is a relatively new charge. He said the charges against Kelly were filed after a lengthy investigation.

“Apparently, the coroner’s jury agreed with us,” Hartman said, adding the jury ruled the manner of death a homicide. “This moves the case forward.”

An autopsy showed Johnson died of acute drug toxicity from a combination of heroin, cocaine, Xanax, morphine and Zypreza.

Kelly reportedly went to North Belle Vernon to buy heroin from a dealer known to sell “really strong” heroin. Kelly allegedly told police that Johnson was reluctant to inject himself with the heroin, so he helped him. Police said Johnson was not a regular heroin user.

After Johnson died, Kelly allegedly flushed the empty stamp bags and other drug paraphernalia down a toilet. Police said he told them he threw the syringe in the Monongahela River.

Kelly remains in Fayette County jail on $75,000. He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing Thursday before District Judge Richard Kasunic.