Philly Man Sentenced After Selling Heroin In 2019 Paoli Overdose Death Case

PAOLI, PA — A man has been sentenced who sold deadly heroin laced with fentanyl to a Paoli man who died by overdose in 2019.

Judge David Bortner sentenced Jamal Keys, 43, of Philadelphia, to 18-36 years in prison for crimes related to his role in the March 2019 heroin overdose death of a 34-year-old man in Paoli. The victim overdosed on the heroin laced with fentanyl that Keys sold to him the day he died, according to the DA's report.

Keys was found guilty by a jury in July 2021 of drug delivery resulting in death — a first-degree felony — possession with intent to deliver, criminal conspiracy, and criminal use of a communication facility.

Chester County District Attorney Deb Ryan said, "Families suffer enormously when a loved one dies as a result of drugs or alcohol. And although nothing will be able to provide solace to those impacted by this tragedy, we hope this sentence will ease some of their pain and serve as a warning to other people who sell drugs that this could be their future."

Willistown Police were called to a home on Devon Road in Paoli on April 1, 2019 for the report of a dead man. Police reported they found 14 packets of heroin, along with drug paraphernalia, on the nightstand beside the victim. The victim's family confirmed that he struggled with addiction.

An investigation led police to a person named "Mal," later identified as Keys. The DA's report said Keys delivered heroin to the victim in Phoenixville on March 27, 2019.

On March 29, 2019 Keys sold the victim 14 packets of heroin laced with fentanyl for $100 in Philadelphia, the report said. Keys continued to reach out to the victim about buying more heroin over the next two days but got no response. The victim's family reported that March 29 was the last time the victim was seen alive.

The defendant’s cousin and co-defendant delivered heroin for the defendant to undercover detectives on April 3, 2019 and was arrested. The co-defendant pleaded guilty to possession with intent to deliver in October 2019. Keys had been arrested on April 16, 2019.

Willistown Twp Police and Phoenixville Police investigated; Assistant District Attorneys Michelle Thurstlic-O’Neill and Jessica Acito were the prosecutors.

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