SAVAGE, Minn. – A 34-year-old man from Woodbury, Tino Andre Jones Jr., was sentenced to 135 months in prison on December 22 for pleading guilty to third-degree murder in the overdose death of a man in Savage. The murder conviction in drug overdose cases is a rarity, and the successful prosecution was attributed to the diligent work of law enforcement agencies and the county attorney’s office.
The case involved the tragic death of a 33-year-old man in his home in Savage on August 5, 2020. The victim was found dead in the home, with evidence pointing to drug overdose. The meticulous work of law enforcement officials led to the identification of Jones as the alleged supplier of the narcotics. This included hours of surveillance, phone record analysis, and forensic examination of the victim’s phone, which revealed incriminating text messages and calls between the victim and Jones.
In a comprehensive search of Jones’ home, law enforcement officials discovered pills and fentanyl, indicating a connection to the overdose death. A forensic examination of Jones’ phone also revealed evidence linking him to the sale of narcotics. The medical examiner determined that the cause of death was a mixed toxicity from a drug overdose with ethanol, fentanyl, and oxycodone, further solidifying the case against Jones.
The successful resolution of this case sends a strong message to drug dealers about being held accountable for the consequences of their actions. It also highlights the dedication and perseverance of law enforcement in pursuing justice for victims of drug-related crimes. The sentence handed down to Jones serves as a reminder of the severity with which the justice system treats individuals involved in drug-related deaths, and it brings a sense of closure to the family of the victim.