Manslaughter charge filed in drug death of Soldotna man

ANCHORAGE — A Kenai resident suspected of selling drugs to a man who died is being held on suspicion of manslaughter.

Alaska State Troopers said 37-year-old Richard Paul Morrison is being held without bail pending arraignment at Wildwood Pretrial Facility.

Troopers began an investigation Dec. 30 after the unexpected death of 37-year-old Jeremy Vandever of Soldotna. Investigators say Vandever died because he ingested drugs.

Morrison on Jan. 20 was charged with multiple counts of drug misconduct.

He was out on bail but was arrested again Thursday on new charges of manslaughter and distributing the controlled substance that killed Vandever.

An attorney listed for Morrison could not immediately be reached Friday.

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