Fort Wayne, IN – A northern Indiana man is facing serious charges after police say he supplied the fatal dose of fentanyl that killed his girlfriend, a 29-year-old mother of three, earlier this summer. The case highlights ongoing concerns surrounding fentanyl use, delayed emergency calls, and the deadly consequences tied to the powerful synthetic opioid.
The Incident That Led to the Fatal Overdose
According to details outlined in court documents reviewed by investigators, Jeremy Duvall, 45, told police he witnessed Keana Swafford standing beside a bed smoking fentanyl on June 27. Duvall said he later fell asleep and woke to find her face down on the floor, unresponsive.
Authorities say Duvall hesitated before seeking help, struggling internally with whether to call 911. He eventually made the call, but by the time first responders arrived, he had already left the residence.
Paramedics attempted life-saving measures, but Swafford was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police Investigation and Discovered Messages
During their investigation, law enforcement obtained a warrant for Duvall’s phone. Messages on the device reportedly revealed his emotional state and lingering guilt following the overdose. In one text, quoted by a Fort Wayne-area news outlet, he wrote:
“Trust me there hasn’t been a minute that past where I haven’t thought about what could have been done differently. I would give my life for hers and she knows that God knows that and God and Swafford knows what happened that’s all that matters I don’t care what anyone has to say or feels about it.”
Investigators say another message contained an admission that he gave Swafford the fentanyl she used before her death.
Duvall’s Arrest and Incriminating Statement
A month after the fatal overdose, Duvall was arrested on a separate felony narcotics possession charge. While officers were transporting him to jail, he allegedly made a key admission, stating:
“It is kinda like my fault.”
Police say this statement, combined with the text messages and drug evidence, significantly strengthened the case that Duvall knowingly provided the lethal dose.
Charges Filed Months Later
Although the incident occurred in June, prosecutors filed the formal charge of dealing a controlled substance resulting in death only this week after reviewing the accumulated evidence. This charge carries severe penalties in Indiana, reflecting the state’s efforts to hold suppliers accountable in fatal overdose cases.
Court records say Duvall has been held in jail since his drug-related arrest during the summer. He had an initial hearing on the dealing charge on Friday, and his next court appearance is scheduled for November 26.
Remembering Keana Swafford
Friends and family describe Keana Swafford as a devoted mother known for her “bright, bold, and fierce love” for those around her. Her obituary specifically mentions Duvall, adding further emotional complexity to the case. Swafford leaves behind three children, whose lives have been deeply affected by her sudden loss.
The Dangers of Fentanyl Use
Fentanyl continues to be one of the deadliest drugs in the United States, responsible for thousands of overdose deaths each year due to its extreme potency. Even a tiny amount can be fatal, especially when used without medical supervision. Situations where people hesitate to call for emergency help can further increase the risk of death.
Key risks associated with fentanyl include:
- Rapid respiratory failure
- High overdose potential even in small doses
Public health officials urge anyone who witnesses signs of overdose—such as slowed breathing, unconsciousness, or inability to wake—to call 911 immediately.
Efforts to Combat Drug Trafficking
Law enforcement agencies across the country continue expanding operations aimed at reducing fentanyl distribution, focusing on both street-level dealers and larger trafficking networks. Indiana has rolled out additional prevention measures, community outreach, and drug-education initiatives to help curb overdose numbers.
Authorities also emphasise the importance of Good Samaritan laws, which protect those who call for medical help during an overdose from certain criminal charges. These laws aim to prevent the kind of hesitation investigators say occurred in this case.
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