Philly Heroin Dealer Guilty In Overdose Death With Drugs He Sold

WEST CHESTER, PA — A Chester County jury brought a guilty verdict last week for a Philadelphia man who repeatedly pressed heroin sales to a man who died of an overdose with 14 packets of the drug on his nightstand.

The jury said Jamal Keys, 43, of Philadelphia, is guilty of drug delivery resulting in death and possession with intent to deliver for the 2019 death of a 34-year-old victim.

The victim overdosed on heroin that the defendant sold to him the day he died, March 29, 2019. The victim's body was not discovered until April 1, the District Attorney's report said.

Keys will be sentenced at a later date.

Chester County District Attorney Deb Ryan said, "The victim's family is, of course, devastated by the death of their loved one at the hands of this defendant. My sympathies go out to them — and to all families who have lost someone to an overdose. I hope the victim’s family finds justice in the verdict."

Willistown Township Police were called to a home on Devon Road in Paoli on April 1, 2019, for the report of a deceased 34-year-old male. Police 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 an individual named "Mal," who was later identified as Keys. The D.A.'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 for $100 in Philadelphia, according to the D.A.'s report.

Keys continued to reach out to the victim about buying more heroin over the next two days but never got a response, according to the report. A member of the victim's family reported that March 29 was the last time he was seen alive.

Keys' cousin delivered heroin, for him, to undercover detectives on April 3, 2019. The cousin was arrested and, in October 2019, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to deliver and conspiracy.

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

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