Death Investigation Leads to Arrest of Fentanyl Supplier in 2024 Overdose Death

On November 6, 2024, officers with the Parsons Police Department responded to a report of an unattended death at 500 block of N. 14th Street in Parsons. Upon arrival, officers located 33-year-old Stormy Watson unresponsive in her bedroom. Emergency responders confirmed Mrs. Watson was deceased at the scene. Her body was transported for an autopsy to determine the cause and manner of death.

The autopsy report was later received by the Parsons Police Department, revealing that Mrs. Watson died of acute combined drug intoxication involving fentanyl and methamphetamine. The report concluded that the manner of death was consistent with an accidental overdose.

Following normal procedure, the Parsons Police Department Investigations Division immediately opened a death investigation. Detective Timothy Gilliland was assigned to the case and responded to the scene to begin a detailed inquiry. A search warrant for the residence was obtained and executed, leading to the seizure of multiple electronic devices, suspected narcotics, and drug paraphernalia.

Later, a separate search warrant was obtained for a forensic examination of the electronic devices. During the exhaustive review of the data, Detective Gilliland uncovered a string of digital communication between Mrs. Watson and Benjamin Queen, an Oswego resident who became a person of interest through the investigation.

Over the following months, Detective Gilliland conducted a series of interviews with Mrs. Watson's friends and family, corroborating the digital evidence. These efforts revealed that Benjamin Queen was suspected to be Stormy Watson's fentanyl supplier. The investigation, bolstered by both digital forensics and witness statements, provided compelling evidence linking Queen to the fatal drug transaction. An arrest warrant was issued for Benjamin Queen on the charges of Distribution of Controlled Substance, Causing Death

Lieutenant Sherri McGuire, who oversees the department's Investigations Division, praised the division's work, "This was a difficult case that impacted many lives. Detective Gilliland's tireless efforts and attention to detail have brought us closer to justice in this tragic situation. The data analysis alone spanned weeks of careful review, and his commitment to following every lead made all the difference."

Chief of Police Robert Spinks echoed her sentiments and addressed the broader issue at hand "The devastating grip fentanyl has on communities like ours cannot be overstated. This loss is one of many heartbreaking examples of the lethal consequences of this drug. The Parsons Police Department is committed to pursuing those who traffic in poison and hold them accountable. We remain vigilant in our mission to combat the spread of illegal narcotics and protect our citizens."

On May 21, 2025, Detective Gilliland was notified that after several months Benjamin Queen had been arrested on his warrant from this case. He was arrested in St. Tammany Parrish in Louisiana. Mr. Queen may have pending charges in St. Tammany Parish as well as facing the distribution charge in Labette County when he is returned.

This continues to be an on-going investigation, and citizens are encouraged to "See It, Hear It, Report It." All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. If anyone has any further information on this incident or any other criminal activity, please contact the Parsons Police Department at 421-7060 or call the Tip Line at 421-7057 or email at tips@parsonspdks.gov.

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