TAMPA, Fla. — A grand jury indicted a man who sold heroin that eventually led to the overdose of a 17-year-old girl in 2017.
Prosecutors say they really wanted to hold Garland Ryan Layton responsible for Katie Golden’s death.
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“It was a long time to build the case but we finally got here and we are proud the wheels of justice are moving forward," said State Attorney Andrew Warren.
Warren says Layton, whose street name is Yoda, sold the heroin that caused 17-year-old Katie Golden's death.
A grand jury indicted Layton Thursday on charges of first-degree murder.
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“Anytime we can get a drug dealer off the street, especially one who’s selling to kids, we are going to do it," said Warren.
Golden’s former boyfriend, Titan Goodson, was about to go on trial for manslaughter when he reached a plea deal. He will likely testify for the defense against Layton.
Under Florida law, the state can seek murder charges when a person dies from an overdose.
"In this kind of first-degree murder case, we have to prove that the defendant sold the heroin that killed Katie. That’s essentially it," said Warren.
Golden’s parents say they are thankful and support the state attorney’s office.
