WESTFIELD, Ind. -- A 20-year-old Indianapolis man recently sought by Westfield police has officially been charged in Hamilton County after he was accused of selling fentanyl that resulted in a person's death.
According to court documents, Tha Dah has officially been charged with dealing in a controlled substance resulting in death, a Level 1 felony. The court documents surrounding the incident were unsealed in Hamilton County court on Wednesday.
On Oct. 23, 2023, officers from the Carmel and Westfield police departments were called to an apartment in Westfield for a reported cardiac arrest/overdose. When officers arrived, they found that 18-year-old Joshua Casnave was reportedly overdosing on narcotics. After Narcan was administered, Casnave regained consciousness and was transported to a local hospital.
Just a few days later, on the morning of Nov. 5, 2023, officers with the Westfield Police Department were called to the same apartment on a cardiac arrest/overdose involving Casnave. After this incident, Casnave was pronounced dead.
When first responders searched Casnave's bedroom, officials located a plastic cut straw with residue in it, as well as seven M30 blue pills that later tested positive for fentanyl.
During the investigation, Casnave's parents told investigators that they had seen an "unusual" CashApp payment of $100 that Casnave reportedly made to a user named "Ace Gbo."
Using search warrants and other investigative techniques, police linked the "Ace Gbo" account to Dah. Dah was previously charged with dealing in a controlled substance and was serving five years of home detention in Marion County.
Using Dah's ankle monitor, as well as Casnave's Google Maps, CashApp usage and cell phone history, officials linked the two on the evening of Nov. 3, leading investigators to believe an apparent drug deal occurred. This was also discussed with investigators by Casnave's girlfriend, who reportedly accompanied him to the deal.
According to previous reports, Dah faces 20 to 40 years in prison if he is convicted of the charge. Dah is currently being held in Hamilton County jail on a $250,000 bond.