CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Testimony continued Wednesday in the jury trial of John Norman Vandal, charged with second-degree murder in the 2019 fentanyl-related death of his friend. Jurors heard from forensic experts, investigators and Vandal himself.
Prosecutors allege Kayla Marie Valasquez, 28, died after using fentanyl unlawfully distributed by Vandal. The defense maintains the two were friends who used drugs together and that the state cannot prove Vandal caused her death.
On Dec. 14, 2019, EMS responded to a call at the Valasquez home on Georgetown Road, where she was pronounced dead on arrival at 4:07 a.m. According to previous reports, the two arranged a fentanyl drop-off while Valasquez was shopping with her family at Marshalls.
On June 8, 2021, Vandal was indicted by a Montgomery County grand jury on a charge of second-degree murder.
Toxicologist details fentanyl levels
Forensic toxicologist Dr. Daniel Isenschmid testified that Valasquez had fentanyl in her system exceeding those typically used for pain management.
Isenschmid said testing revealed 10 nanograms per milliliter of fentanyl, along with norfentanyl, indicating recent use. Therapeutic fentanyl levels generally range from 1 to 3 nanograms per milliliter, he testified.
Valasquez also had 8.5 nongrams per milliliter of oxymorphone, a prescription pain medication, which Isenschmid described as a “therapeutic amount.”
“It depends on the degree of tolerance to the particular drug,” he said, noting reactions to fentanyl can vary based on drug history and physiology.
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During cross-examination, defense attorney Chase Smith questioned Isenschmid about prior testimony in other cases, emphasizing that fentanyl concentration alone does not determine lethality.
“The significant differences in how a person reacts to fentanyl – weight matters – but tolerance is probably the single largest issue,” Isenschmid said. “The drug has the same effect, but the concentration – and therefore how serious this effect would be – would vary by weight.”
Friend describes shared drug use
The state called Benjamin Newton, 38, a longtime friend of Vandal’s. He testified that the two struggled with heroin addiction in 2019 and used drugs together.
Newton said he overdosed after using heroin with Vandal in October 2019 and regained consciousness in an ambulance after Vandal called 911. “I got clean in March of 2020,” he said.
Smith asked Newton what withdrawal symptoms felt like. “It’s like having the flu,” he said. “Your whole body aches and pains. You start throwing up, and you have the runs. It’s not a good feeling.”
“You’re not getting to feel high,” he said. “You’re just getting to feel normal.”
Vandal testifies in own defense
Vandal testified late Wednesday, admitting to long-term opioid and heroin use. He acknowledged that he dropped off heroin to Valasquez the day she died. He said he warned her about the drug’s potency and provided instructions to reduce harm. Vandal denied murdering Valasquez and said her death continues to haunt him. “It haunts me almost every day,” he said.
Vandal admitted feeling bad about what happened to Valasquez as he wiped away tears but said he did not murder her.
Vandal said they all knew the dangers of the drug. “Any use could be fatal,” he said. He also testified that Newton overdosed roughly two months before Valasquez.
Court is schedule to resume Thursday at 8:30 a.m. at the Montgomery County Courts Center. Attorneys are expected to deliver closing arguments before the case is submitted to the jury for deliberation.
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