Officers with the Bogalusa Police Department arrested a Bogalusa man on second-degree murder charges this week, after the suspect reportedly gave the victim heroin that led to his overdose.

According to BPD Maj. Wendell O’Berry, officers answered a call Tuesday of an unresponsive person in the 600 block of Ontario Avenue. Initial responding officers learned of a 41-year-old male that was on the scene and deceased.

On Wednesday, BPD detectives began the investigation into the death of the male victim, later identified as Jamie Wilson, O’Berry said. Multiple witnesses were interviewed, and it was determined that a known acquaintance to Wilson, identified as William “Billy” Thomas III, 47, purchased and gave Wilson heroin that subsequently led to Wilson’s overdosing, and ultimately death.

Thomas was interviewed and subsequently confessed to providing Wilson with the heroin, O’Berry said. Thomas was charged with second-degree murder, as well as distribution of heroin.

O’Berry said that the investigation will continue, as detectives seek the identity of the person who sold the heroin to Thomas.

“There are clear provisions in the Louisiana Revised Statutes that prohibit the dissemination of any controlled dangerous substance to another, whereas great bodily harm or death is caused to the recipient,” O’Berry said. “The Bogalusa Police Department will actively investigate and pursue criminal charges against those who wish to distribute narcotics to others, and this includes not only heroin or cocaine, but also any controlled dangerous substance, including prescription medication.”

If anyone has information on the identity of the person who may have sold the heroin to Thomas, or the identity of anyone actively selling heroin in Bogalusa or the surrounding area, they are asked to contact BPD detectives at 985-732-6238.