VALRICO, Fla. – Following a four-month investigation, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office detectives have arrested a suspect connected to a fatal overdose death.
On February 8th, 2024, deputies responded to a residence in the 100 block of Susan Place in Valrico for a reported death. There, they found 19-year-old Eric Schertzer deceased.
Detectives identified Baylee Jacobs, 21, as a suspect. They were able to link the fatal drugs ingested by Schertzer back to Jacobs and secured an arrest warrant.
Read: Man Electrocuted To Death While Trimming Trees In Hudson: Pasco Sheriff
The investigation revealed that Jacobs had relocated to Illinois.
However, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office detectives worked collaboratively with local authorities in Sterling, Illinois, leading to Jacobs’ apprehension on June 24, 2024.
“Our opioid overdose investigators are relentless in their efforts to track down and apprehend those who seek to harm our community with dangerous drugs,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “Their determination and hard work in tracing every lead was crucial in this investigation and led to the arrest of the individual responsible for putting poison on our streets for profit. Additionally, this joint effort emphasizes the importance of collaboration within law enforcement and highlights the shared mission to protect our communities and combat the opioid crisis.”
Jacobs is facing a First Degree Murder resulting from the Sale of a Controlled Substance charge.
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