By Liz Shepherd
InkFreeNews

COLUMBIA CITY — Three people are facing criminal charges after a fatal drug overdose in Columbia City.

Layla M. Tyler, 42, 111 Marshall Ave., Columbia City, is charged with dealing a controlled substance resulting in death, a level 1 felony; maintaining a common nuisance, unlawful possession or use of a legend drug, and possession of a narcotic drug, all level 6 felonies; and possession of marijuana, a class B misdemeanor.

Ricky Michael Tyler, 67, 111 Marshall Ave., Columbia City, is charged with unlawful possession or use of a legend drug and maintaining a common nuisance, both level 6 felonies; possession of marijuana, a class B misdemeanor; and possession of paraphernalia, a class C misdemeanor.

Trevor W. Allen, 39, 384 N. Walnut St., Columbia City, is charged with possession of paraphernalia, a class C misdemeanor.

On June 20, a Columbia City detective responded to a report of an unresponsive man who was cold to the touch. The man, later identified as Brian M. Sanders, 30, Columbia City, was pronounced dead before the detective’s arrival.

According to court documents, the detective spoke with Layla, who discovered Sanders’ body. She said Sanders had a history of drug use and saw him use cocaine three days before his death.

Officers obtained a search warrant for the residence where Sanders was found after discovering several items of drug paraphernalia throughout the home. Both Layla and Ricky were in the home when officers arrived. Prior to the residence being searched, Layla and Ricky said officers would only find cocaine and marijuana. Upon searching the home, officers found a bag containing multiple types of legend drugs, marijuana, and multiple smoking devices.

In an interview with law enforcement, Layla said she last spoke with Sanders two days before his death. She said baking soda found in Sanders’ bedroom was used to cook cocaine. Three days before Sanders passed away, Layla went to meet a drug dealer in Fort Wayne in order to purchase cocaine. Upon returning to Columbia City, Layla provided Sanders with some of the cocaine she purchased.

Officers then spoke with some of Sanders’ relatives. The relatives said they last heard from Sanders on June 18 and noted Sanders’ roommates had been acting suspicious about Sanders’ death.

On July 25, one of Sanders’ relatives provided a written statement about Sanders’ drug use. In the statement, the relative said Sanders told her he purchased cocaine and used it with two people, one of whom being Layla.

Upon searching Layla’s and Sanders’ phones, officers found conversations between June 17 and 18 about possibly going out and buying drugs.

Layla also informed officers a bedroom in the home belonged to Allen. Upon searching the room, officers found drug paraphernalia.

On Aug. 8, Sanders’ cause of death was ruled as fentanyl and cocaine toxicity.

The Tylers and Allen were all booked in the Whitley County Jail on Sept. 1.