LIMESTONE COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT) — The Limestone County Sheriff’s Office says an Elkmont man is facing additional charges days after a missing teen was found dead in his home.
LCSO said Johnathan Andrew Etter was originally arrested on April 18 after Ava Bochina, 18, was found dead at his home on Esten Lane in Elkmont. He was initially charged with abuse of a corpse, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
The sherriff’s office said that as its initial investigation progressed, investigators have gathered further evidence that also led to additional charges. On Tuesday, LCSO said it obtained warrants charging Etter with the distribution of a controlled substance and manslaughter.
LCSO said under Alabama law, a person can be charged with manslaughter if they “knowingly [distribute] a controlled substance containing fentanyl when the recipient dies as a result of its use.”
LCSO also said that on Saturday, Limestone County Jail Supervisor Sergeant Jacob Lamar told investigators that his team had found Etter in possession of fentanyl in his cell at the county jail. The sheriff’s office said a subsequent investigation found probable cause to charge Etter with second-degree promoting prison contraband.
Sheriff Joshua McLaughlin thanked everyone for their efforts in the investigation.
“I want to thank every individual who worked diligently on this case, from the Coroner’s Office to our patrol, investigations, and corrections divisions,” he said. “Their coordinated efforts helped uncover the truth and bring appropriate charges forward.”
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