Woman arrested for supplying fentanyl-laced pills in Sandy Springs overdose
SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. - Makayla Peacock was just 19-years-old when Sandy Springs Police say pills laced with fentanyl killed her on June 6, and now her friend is charged in connection with her death.
"Life-saving measures were put into play, and, unfortunately, we were not able to revive her," said Sgt. Leon Millholland with Sandy Springs Police.
Investigators say Peacock's toxicology report confirmed that she overdosed and that is when detectives discovered her friend, Mallery James, sold her the fentanyl-laced pills. They charged her with aggravated Involuntary manslaughter by causing fentanyl overdose death, and arrested her.
"You've got two females that grew up as friends in the same neighborhood, and now one is gone and one's looking at possible time in prison," Sgt. Millholland said.
Makayla Peacock and Mallery James
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Police charged James under what is known in Georgia as "Austin's Law." The new law is named after Austin Walker who purchased Xanas on the street to help him deal with his anxiety, according to his parents. When his parents tried to hold the person who sold the pills to their son responsible, they were told that the person would only be charged with a misdemeanor even though Austin's parents had proof of the transaction.
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This is not the first case using the new law, but its sponsor, State Senator Russ Goodman from Cogdell, says the law is working as designed. He sent FOX 5 the following statement:
"I'm thankful that the law is being used to hold those spreading this poison in our community accountable. Fentanyl has become a devastating epidemic, responsible for over 70% of drug-related deaths nationwide. The heartbreak it causes in our state knows no boundaries—affecting all, regardless of socioeconomic status, race, gender, or political affiliation. I’m grateful to the Lt. Governor’s office for collaborating with myself and Austin’s family to draft this legislation, to my colleagues in the Legislature for their support, and to Governor Kemp for signing it into law."
"Austin's Law has been a great enhancer of going after those that are trafficking and also distributing drugs and especially the drugs that are out there laced with fentanyl," Millholland said.
James was arrested last month. She had a hearing on Friday where a judge granted her a $50,000 bond. She paid it and was released Monday. Police say this case is an important reminder of the danger of drugs.
"We just encourage people to always be aware of what you're putting in your bodies and also be aware of what activity you're getting involved in," Millholland said.
If James is found guilty, she faces at least 10 years in prison.