The sister of a 14-year-old boy who died of a toxic drug overdose says the grief and shock has been overwhelming.
Chantel Stagg spoke today of the pain and senselessness of her little brother’s death during a rally to stem the burgeoning mental health and drug addiction crisis in the province.
Justice for Axel Martin (VOCM News)
Axel Martin died in March after ingesting what he thought were Xanax and Dilaudid, but was actually a deadly mix of synthetic opioids.
Nineteen-year-old Zachery Mulrooney has been charged with manslaughter in the case — a first in the province — as well as criminal negligence causing death, and possessing and trafficking a controlled substance.
His next court date is set for October 17th.
Stagg expects the legal process to be long and difficult, but takes some solace in that it may ultimately hold others accountable and prevent more deaths.
“This trial has the power to set a precedent, a turning point in how our justice system responds,” she said. “We cannot allow people to sell poison, take lives, and walk away with a slap on the wrist. If you deal death, you must be held accountable.”
The rally, organized by Guardians of Recovery was held on the steps of Confederation Building Thursday, with similar events held across the province.
Tina Olivero at public rally outside Confederation Building (VOCM News)
