A man supplied fentanyl to the victim in Elk River, who died of an overdose after texting about picking up drugs the night before, according to the complaint.
Devante Jamal Stevenson faces a charge of third-degree murder for selling or giving a controlled substance that resulted in the victim’s death, according to a complaint filed October 21 in Sherburne County District Court.
Officers from the Elk River Police Department responded to a possible overdose at a residence on 183rd Avenue in Elk River at about 9:13 a.m. on August 10, 2024. The victim was found on the floor in the basement, with family members attempting CPR. An officer administered Narcan and paramedics arrived, but the victim was pronounced dead at 9:25 a.m.
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An autopsy determined the cause of death was toxic effects of fentanyl and diphenhydramine, with the manner of death listed as an accident. The complaint notes the fentanyl level in the victim’s blood was 68 ng/mL, and the diphenhydramine level was 460 ng/mL, well below the average for fatal overdoses of that substance. The victim’s family told officers he had previously been hospitalized for overdoses and believed he used heroin, possibly with fentanyl.
During a search of the basement, officers found a small plastic baggie with white powder, tinfoil, a straw, a lighter and the victim’s phone. The victim’s family said that after a previous overdose, the victim had named Devante Jamal Stevenson as his source for drugs.
Investigators reviewed text messages between the victim and a contact named Devante, whose number matched records for Stevenson. The complaint says that on the evening of August 9, Stevenson texted the victim about a sample from a “new dude” and offered to let the victim try it.
Later messages show the victim asking if he could come by, with Stevenson responding that he could give the victim some that night or in the morning. The victim replied he would take some that night, and Stevenson texted, “You can come Now.” The victim later responded, “Here.”
Officers conducted surveillance at Stevenson’s Elk River address and stopped a vehicle as Stevenson left with his parents. Police found a cell phone on Stevenson and, in the vehicle, two pieces of folded tin foil and a plastic baggie containing multiple smaller baggies.
Stevenson agreed to speak with investigators and admitted the victim had asked him for controlled substances on previous occasions, including in the days before the death. Stevenson said the victim was supposed to come to his residence the night before but claimed the victim never showed up, despite receiving a text that the victim was “here.” Stevenson denied ever giving the victim methamphetamine, heroin or fentanyl, but admitted to using heroin with the victim about two weeks earlier.
He also said he was unaware of any other source the victim may have had for controlled substances.
The charge against Stevenson alleges he sold or gave a controlled substance that resulted in the victim’s death.
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Jurisdictional Context
Sherburne County, north of the Twin Cities metro, is served by the Sherburne County Attorney’s Office through the Tenth Judicial District. Felony cases are heard at the Sherburne County Government Center in Elk River.
