A Bloomington man who sold pills containing fentanyl that caused the death of a 15-year-old West St. Paul girl was sentenced today, Dakota County Attorney Kathy Keena announced.
Judge Cynthia McCollum sentenced Parker Jay Benson, age 19, to 180 days in jail and up to 10 years of probation — a downward dispositional departure from the Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines — for one count of murder in the third-degree (sell, give or distribute I or II controlled substance). The state asked for a prison sentence of 74 months, the recommendation from the presentence investigation. Mr. Benson must also complete a substance use treatment program.
Mr. Benson entered a straight guilty plea in February 2024. No plea agreement was reached regarding sentencing other than the state agreed to cap a prison sentence to 74 months, the low end of the sentencing range for this offense under the state's guidelines.
According to the criminal complaint, on April 20, 2022, around 12:48 a.m., West St. Paul police officers were called to a residence on a report of a girl who was unconscious and not breathing.
The girl's mother found her face down on her bed and a blue pill beside her. The mother then called 911 and started CPR. The 15-year-old was transported to a local hospital where she was pronounced dead soon thereafter.
The Ramsey County Medical Examiner's Office determined the cause of death was fentanyl toxicity.
During the investigation, several messages were found on her phone between the girl and Mr. Benson, including an arrangement for Mr. Benson to sell four pills to the victim.
“Today's sentencing is unfortunate and a disappointment as a young girl lost her life due to the actions of Mr. Benson," said County Attorney Kathy Keena. “Dakota County is not immune to illicit fentanyl poisoning and it's taking too many young lives in our community. My deepest sympathies to the victim's family members, friends and loved ones."
Fentanyl poisoning is a serious public health crisis. If you suspect your family member or loved one is using drugs like fentanyl, help is available. Visit knowthedangers.com to find help and resources available in Minnesota.
Naloxone (Narcan) is a medication that may rapidly reverses the effects of opioid overdoses. To find a Naloxone Access Point location in the metro area, visit the Steve Rummler Hope Network website. If you suspect someone is overdosing, call 911.