For Immediate Release
April 19, 2023
Police Department
Contact: Gordon Rohr
Police Chief
Police Department
651.267.2612
Arrests Made in January 10 Drug Overdose Death Investigation
(April 19, 2023, Red Wing, Minn.) – Red Wing Police Department officers have arrested two individuals in connection to the investigation into the January 10, 2023, death of a juvenile male in Red Wing. The death was determined to be related to a drug overdose.
The arrest warrants were issued on Tuesday, April 18. At approximately 3 p.m. on that same day, 44-year-old Deshawn Smith of Red Wing was arrested on a warrant for 3rd Degree Murder, 2nd Degree Manslaughter, and drug charges. He was booked and held at the Goodhue County Adult Detention Center. Later that day, a 15-year-old male was also arrested and transported to a secure juvenile detention facility.
Earlier this year, on Tuesday, January 10, at approximately 9 a.m., Red Wing Police Department and Red Wing Fire Department were dispatched to a medical call on 16th Street in Red Wing. A 14-year-old juvenile male was found unresponsive by his parents at the residence. Despite medical efforts provided by personnel at the scene, the juvenile male was pronounced deceased.
The Red Wing Police Department immediately began a lengthy investigation into the circumstances of the case. As a result of that investigation, the death was determined to be related to a drug overdose. The Southern Minnesota Regional Medical Examiner’s Office, Southeast Minnesota Violent Crime Enforcement Team, the Goodhue County Sheriff’s Office, and the Goodhue County Attorney’s Office assisted throughout the course of the investigation.
Investigation into this case is continuing.
The City of Red Wing is dedicated to creating a sustainable, healthy, accessible, resilient, and equitable community where every person feels at home.
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