Drug charges upgraded in fatality

More serious criminal charges have been filed in connection with the drug overdose death of a U.S. Navy sailor from North Chicago.

Lake County Assistant State's Attorney Steven Derue said Kelton Lewis, 23, of Antioch Township, is now charged with drug induced homicide in the March 2 death of Owen Martinez.

Martinez, 18, met Lewis, of 25308 W. Crawford Road, at a Vernon Hills motel where both were staying.

The pair left the motel and drove to the Lindenhurst area, where police say Lewis purchased some heroin he agreed to share with Martinez.

Once back at the motel, Lewis inhaled some of the heroin while Martinez injected some into his arm, Derue said.

A while later, Derue said Lewis noticed Martinez was not breathing and cleared the room of syringes and other drug paraphernalia before calling for emergency help.

Martinez was dead by the time emergency personnel reached the room.

Derue said the upgraded charge was approved after a complete review of police reports and toxicology results related to the case.

Lewis was originally charged with delivery of a controlled substance that carries a maximum of five years in prison.

Derue said the new charge carries a mandatory prison term of between six and 30 years in prison.

Lewis was scheduled to be arraigned on the new charge Wednesday, but the matter was postponed to May 16 at the request of his attorney.

Lewis is being held in the Lake County Jail on $250,000 bond.