Yesterday, Emily Velez, 31, of Providence pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter, motor vehicle theft, and larceny over $250 from a person aged over 60, tied to the death of Dennis Heelen, a 61-year-old from North Attleboro as reported by Boston.com.
Velez and the victim used fentanyl together on November 24, 2021. Heelen subsequently became unresponsive, but Velez left his home without calling medical help, taking his car, cell phone, and wallet with her. Later that day, Velez was caught for shoplifting in Warwick, Rhode Island, where she informed the police about Heelen's condition after eight hours of leaving his house, prompting to discover his body in his home according to The Sun Chronicle.
The Chief Medical Examiner's Office confirmed Heelen's death to result from acute intoxication due to the combined intake of alcohol, fentanyl, cocaine, and oxycodone. The prosecution argued of Velez created a substantial risk of harm or death by applying and using fentanyl with Heelen, not calling for help, and leaving him in a helpless state according to Boston.com report.
