Two charged in fentanyl-induced homicide after dealing drugs to the victim, police say

Two alleged drug dealers face a homicide charge after a user in Wheaton, Illinois died from an apparent overdose in August, police said. 

On Aug. 3, 2020, Wheaton police officers responded to the victim’s home for a well-being check. When they arrived, they found Nicholas Donzelli, 32, dead on the living room couch, according to police. 

Officers suspected that Donzelli was the victim of an overdose. There were numerous drugs at the residence, according to police.

Officers identified Kalvin Beulle, 31, and Nicole Cassata, 23, as the people who allegedly sold Donzelli the drugs.

It is alleged that on Aug. 2, 2020, Beulle was not answering his phone, so Donzelli texted Cassata to purchase drugs, according to police. Donzelli again allegedly purchased drugs from the pair on Aug. 3.

Police say the drugs purchased from the pair tested positive for fentanyl, and Donzelli overdosed as a result of the substance.

Fentanyl is an opioid that is mixed with drugs to enhance the effect, but a small dose can often be fatal. 

Beulle and Cassata were each charged with one count of drug-induced homicide and manufacture/delivery of a controlled substance–cocaine. 

In addition, Beulle has also been charged with one count of manufacture/delivery of a controlled substance–fentanyl/amphetamine, a class 2 felony.

“Illicit drug use continues to be a drain on society which was responsible for 112 opioid overdose deaths in DuPage County in 2020, a 17% increase from 2019," DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert B. Berlin said. "We must put an end to these senseless deaths. Fentanyl is an extremely powerful drug that can kill a first-time user.”