In the early hours of July 12, 2023, the Kerr County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division responded to the 100 block of Ash Drive in Ingram, Texas for a report of a possible overdose. The Kerrville Fire and EMS Department was dispatched to the residence after a 19 year-old male was found unresponsive. Efforts to resuscitate the man were unsuccessful, and an unattended death investigation was initiated.
Later that morning, the Special Operations Division was notified of the suspected overdose and multiple persons were interviewed. The Special Operations Division later visited the crime scene and collected prescription medications that were believed to have been sold to the decedent the previous evening.
Over the course of the following twenty hours, the Special Operations Division made contact with multiple individuals, and conducted surveillance regarding the case. Investigators identified two suspects who may have been involved in selling prescription pills to the decedent.
Melissa Raye Shirley, 44, of Kerrville, and Johnny Ray Treadwell, 67, of Ingram, were located and placed under arrest for warrants issued by the Kerr County Justice of the Peace, Bill Ragsdale. Both were booked into the Kerr County Jail on one count of Manufacture/Delivery of a Controlled Substance, PG3/4, >28g, with bond set at $50,000 each. As with all criminal cases, charges may be added or modified prior to trial. Defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
This case remains under investigation. The Kerr County Sheriff’s Office Digital Forensic Unit is also assisting with the recovery and preservation of digital evidence related to the case.
“Selling and abusing prescription drugs is every bit as dangerous as illegal narcotics,” said Sheriff Larry Leitha. “Those who provide their prescribed controlled substances to others are committing a serious felony, and those who are buying a using are often putting their lives in danger. Just being in possession without a prescription can lead to criminal charges.”
“With the rise of fake pills tainted with fentanyl on the market, the stakes are high on every side of illegal prescription drug sales,” said Leitha. “Powerful prescription drugs are meant to be used under close medical supervision only. If anyone has information regarding illegal prescription drug sales, we urge them to contact our office or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 830.896.TIPS.”
