Andover man charged in overdose death

Anoka County prosecutors charged an Andover man with third-degree murder of his girlfriend.

According to the criminal complaint, Seth Adam Olson, 24, purchased and later gave methadone to his 39-year-old girlfriend in mid-February. The woman, also of Andover, died hours after taking the drug.

Paul Young, division chief for violent crime in the Anoka County Attorney's Office, says prosecutors are filing more homicide charges in overdose deaths.

"It's in response to sort of an evolution, that even though people may willingly choose to participate in the taking of the drug, that there still has to be a responsibility for those who provide them," Young said.

Last year, Minnesota saw the highest number in a decade of adult third-degree murder charges related to overdose deaths.

Olson's bail was set a $250,000. His next court appearance is scheduled for May 8.

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