Police in East Hampton, Conn. say a lethal form of Ecstasy powder led to 16-year-old Makayla Korpinen's death.
Cops say it's the first death in that state to be linked directly to the drug, and that the man who gave it to the teen has been on the run for too long.
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Early on the morning of May 18, 2002, 16-year-old Makayla Korpinen and her friends partied at her boyfriend's house in East Hampton, Conn. Soon It was her "turn," so she dabbed her finger in a powdery substance and licked it. Unfortunately, Makayla had no idea that what she had just ingested was a lethal form of the drug ecstasy known as "Molly."
Police reports note that Makayla began vomiting almost immediately and seemed "totally out of it." Yet, police say none of the other partygoers called for help right away. In fact, it took more than eight hours for help to arrive. But by that time, Makayla was too far gone, and died three days later. Police say it's the first death in Connecticut directly linked to ecstasy.
Cops immediately began investigating and charged five people in connection with Makayla's death. Two of the men -- including Makayla's boyfriend -- were charged with manslaughter for allegedly supplying the drug. Her boyfriend faced the charges, but cops say his brother, Jason Nedobity, went on the run.
Cops say they haven't seen Nedobity since 2002 and think he may be on the east coast or in Colorado, where he frequents music festivals. Police describe him as a "drifter" and say he is probably still dealing drugs wherever he is.
Makayla's high school teachers call her a "shining star" who had a great future ahead. Her family tells AMW that they just want the people responsible for her death to go to jail.