PORTSMOUTH, Va. — A Suffolk woman is accused of causing the death of a Portsmouth teen by giving him fentanyl that he later overdosed on, according to a criminal complaint obtained by News 3's Kelsey Jones. Kelsey spoke with family members who confirmed their loved one, James Jolley, is the 17-year-old who died.
"I ran in his room and I found him dead," said Angie Godfrey, Jolley's grandmother.
Godfrey described her grandson as brilliant, bright and strong, saying he was drug-free until that night.
Portsmouth police have charged 41-year-old Jessica Cirilli with involuntary manslaughter in connection with Jolley's death. She's also charged with possession with intent to distribute in a school zone, possession with intent to distribute to a minor, possession with intent to distribute schedule I or II controlled substance, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
Cirilli was taken into custody a week after officers found an unresponsive boy in the 4000 block of Wyndybrow Drive in Portsmouth. Police determined he died from a fentanyl overdose, and according to court documents, police believe Cirilli supplied the fentanyl that killed the teen.
Court records indicate Cirilli is the ex-girlfriend of Jolley's uncle, though the uncle tells News 3 they dated but were never in a relationship. The family said they were shocked to learn someone they knew could be connected to their loved one's death.
"I forgive her, and I forgive in my heart because I know that God has mercy on my nephew," said Christopher Jolley, the victim's uncle.
Court documents reveal that Jolley and Cirilli planned to meet on Oct. 10 so she could provide the fentanyl to the teenager. Police said the 41-year-old woman communicated with Jolley through "coded references to fentanyl and instructions not to disclose the transaction to others."
Cirilli also faces a charge of possession with intent to distribute in a school zone, as the Jolley family home is located near Churchland Elementary.
"A 41-year-old who had nothing better to do than sell a kid drugs in a school zone! What is wrong with people?" Godfrey said.
Portsmouth police said this marks the first time they have charged someone under a new state law that upgrades charges for drug dealers linked to fentanyl overdose deaths.
"Adults are selling this to kids for $20 and they're killing them," Christopher Jolley said.
The family said they now want justice for James and is pushing for "James Law" that will raise awareness about the dangers of fentanyl.
This is Portsmouth police's first time charging a suspect under a new state statute that went into effect in July. As News 3 has reported, the law allows suspects to be charged with involuntary manslaughter if they're accused of selling fentanyl-laced drugs leading to death.
The incident is still under investigation. Police are asking anyone with information to call them 757–393–8536. Those who wish to remain anonymous can call the Crime Line at 1–888-LOCK-U-UP.
Police also shared the following warning about the dangers of fentanyl: "The Portsmouth Police Department continues to warn the public about the dangers of fentanyl and counterfeit pills, which remain a leading cause of fatal overdoses nationwide. Parents and guardians are urged to have ongoing conversations with children about the risks associated with illicit substances."
