Man Kills 13-Year-old Boy with Heroin Overdose NR12381rf

 August 9, 2012
***UPDATE***

Topanga Area Detectives have released a photograph of the suspect and it is attached below.  Detectives said the victim went to his 13-year-old friend’s house to spend the night; Cronin is the older brother of the friend.  It appears the victim voluntarily injected the heroin but had a life threatening reaction.  By the time paramedics were called, the victim’s reaction proved to be fatal.  The exact cause of death will be determined by the Los Angeles County Coroner.

Los Angeles.  LAPD Topanga Area Detectives have determined that a teenager who died under suspicious circumstances was administered a fatal dose of heroin.

Yesterday about 9:10 a.m., the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) summoned LAPD Topanga Area patrol officers to a Woodland Hills residence in the 5300 block of Manton Avenue.  When they arrived, LAFD personnel told officers about a deceased 13-year-old male inside the residence with no visible signs for cause of death.  

A short time later, homicide detectives conducted an investigation and determined that a resident at the location, 23-year-old Brett Cronin, had administered the fatal dose of heroin to the victim. Cronin’s motive is unclear and still under investigation.

Cronin was arrested and booked for murder at LAPD’s Van Nuys jail facility.  His bail has been set at $1 million.  

Anyone with information about this crime is urged to call Topanga Area Homicide Detectives at 818-756-4869.  After hours and on weekends, calls may be directed to 818-756-4800.  Anonymous tips can also be called into Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477) or by texting 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”  Online tips may be placed at www.LAPDOnline.org, click on “webtips” and follow the prompts.