MONTEREY – Dannon Black, 36 from Scotts Valley, was arrested and expected to be charged with involuntary manslaughter and elder abuse after a man died while in his care. The case is currently under investigation.
Monterey Police Officers responded to a report of a narcotics overdose on Tuesday at 1:49 p.m. A press release from the police department states officers and medical personnel arrived at the scene to render aid to the victim, but he did not survive.
Officers determined during the investigation that Black was engaged in “consensual drug use” with the victim. Black was described as an “informal caregiver” to the victim, who was in his 70s.
The release states that Black administered Ketamine – a dissociative anesthetic used in medical settings for sedation – to the victim, while he consumed methamphetamine. The victim suffered a medical emergency shortly after, when Black attempted to get aid and called 911.
The officers determined that Black had also been with the victim during an overdose on Dec. 30. In the previous incident, the victim had suffered a narcotics overdose. He had been transported to the hospital, where he recovered.
Black was arrested and booked into the Monterey County Jail with a bail set at $50,000 for involuntary manslaughter and elder abuse, according to the press release.
The case still remains under active investigation, and anyone with relevant information is encouraged to contact Lieutenant Ethan Andrews at (831) 646-3822. Anonymous tips can be submitted at (831) 646-3840.
