DESTREHAN — Drug charges have been upgraded to murder following Richard Keller Jr.’s death in Destrehan three months ago.

St. Charles Parish Sheriff Greg Champagne said detectives responded to 128 Commercial Place March 2 in Destrehan regarding the death of Keller, which was believed to be a drug-related overdose.

Jaime Hymel and Roderick Hackett were charged at the time with distribution of heroin and other narcotics-related violations.

The case expanded last week when Champagne said detectives received a copy of the coroner’s report that was conducted as a result of Keller’s death.

“The report listed the cause of death as multiple drug toxicities, heroin and fentanyl overdose and ethanol intoxication,” Champagne said. “Based on these results, Hackett and Hymel, who are currently being held in the Nelson Coleman Correctional Center, were re-booked (for second degree murder).”

Champagne said many people believe drug use is a nonviolent crime, adding any activity that leads to so many deaths is certainly violent.

“We vigorously investigate incidents of drug overdoses and will hold those selling or administering these drugs accountable when death occurs,” he said. “Anyone who either sells or participates in drug use needs to understand that the consequences extend much further then their illegal drug activity. They may also be charged with murder.”