In a statement released through social media, the Rowan County Sheriff's Office announced that Toney Louis Young, a Statesville resident, was charged with Felony Death by Distribution in connection to the death of Danna Kuhnle. Kuhnle's passing was initially investigated on February 15, after deputies responded to an incident at 538 Cedar Glen Cir, Cleveland, N.C., where it was suspected she died from a drug overdose. According to the post from the Rowan County Sheriff's Office, the State Medical Examiner's Office ruled the death an overdose.
Detectives were able to quickly piece together evidence that seemed to seamlessly connect Young to Kuhnle. Reports surfaced that Kuhnle believed she was purchasing Percocet, but the substance was later found to be pressed fentanyl. Witnesses present with Kuhnle at the time of the sale indicated the transaction occurred at an apartment complex in Statesville. Young was later apprehended at Forest Park Apartments—the same location of the reported drug sale—on May 23.
Young's arrest came as the result of a collaborative operation involving the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office and the Statesville Police Department. "Toney Louis Young of Statesville was identified as a suspect involved in selling the controlled substance to Kuhnle," the Rowan County Sheriff's Office statement noted. Upon his capture, Young was hit with a $100,000.00 secured bond and transported to the Rowan County Detention Center, charged with the severe count of Felony Death by Distribution, reflecting the gravity of the consequences stemming from his alleged actions.
Authorities are encouraging anyone with additional insight into this grim affair to step forward and assist in the ongoing investigation. Detective Sergeant K.M. Holshouser is the point of contact and can be reached at 704-216-8683. Information can also anonymously be relayed to the Rowan County Crime Stoppers via their website or by calling 1-866-639-JAIL (5245). The Rowan County Sheriff's Office assures that caller identity will remain confidential, as they continue to broadly solicit the community's support in the wake of this tragedy.
