An Oswego man is in custody awaiting prosecution for the distribution of a drug that caused a person’s death late last year.
On Nov. 6, 2024, Parsons police officers responded to a report of an unattended death in the 500 block of North 14th Street in Parsons. Officers found Stormy Watson, 33, unresponsive in her bedroom. Emergency responders confirmed she was deceased. Her body was transported for an autopsy to determine the cause and manner of death.
The autopsy report revealed that Watson died of acute combined drug intoxication involving fentanyl and methamphetamine. The report concluded that the manner of death was consistent with an accidental overdose.
Following procedure, the Parsons Police Department Investigations Division opened a death investigation. Detective Timothy Gilliland responded to begin a detailed inquiry. A search warrant for the residence led to the seizure of multiple electronic devices, suspected narcotics and drug paraphernalia.
Later, a separate search warrant was obtained for a forensic examination of the electronic devices. During the review of the data, Gilliland uncovered a string of digital communication between Watson and Benjamin Queen, an Oswego resident who became a person of interest through the investigation.
Over the following months, Gilliland conducted a series of interviews with Watson’s friends and family,
See ARREST, Page 10.
corroborating the digital evidence. These efforts revealed that Queen was suspected to be Watson’s fentanyl supplier. The investigation, bolstered by digital forensics and witness statements, provided evidence linking Queen to the fatal drug transaction, according to a release from Parsons police. A judge issued an arrest warrant for Queen on suspicion of distribution of controlled substance, causing death.
Lt. Sherri McGuire, who oversees the department’s Investigations Division, praised the division’s work.
“This was a difficult case that impacted many lives. Detective Gilliland’s tireless efforts and attention to detail have brought us closer to justice in this tragic situation. The data analysis alone spanned weeks of careful review, and his commitment to following every lead made all the difference.”
Chief of Police Robert Spinks echoed her sentiments and addressed the broader issue at hand.
“The devastating grip fentanyl has on communities like ours cannot be overstated. This loss is one of many heartbreaking examples of the lethal consequences of this drug. The Parsons Police Department is committed to pursuing those who traffic in poison and hold them accountable. We remain vigilant in our mission to combat the spread of illegal narcotics and protect our citizens.”
On May 21, Gilliland was notified that Queen had been arrested on the Labette County warrant in St. Tammany Parish in Louisiana. Queen may have pending charges in St. Tammany Parish as well.
He is charged in Labette County District Court with one count of distribution of drugs causing death, a level one felony, distribution of drugs, a lower level felony, and using a phone to facilitate a drug transaction, also a lower level felony. A level one felony is punishable by a minimum of 147 months in prison upon conviction.
This continues to be an ongoing investigation, and citizens are encouraged to “see it, hear it, report it.” All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. If anyone has any further information on this incident or any other criminal activity, please contact the Parsons Police Department at 4217060, call the Tip Line at 421-7057 or email [email protected].
