Photo: Stock Image
Originally Published By: San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department
“On March 14, 2021, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department’s Gangs/Narcotics Division’s Overdose Response Team (ORT) responded to the drug overdose death of Marshall Luppke, in Yucca Valley. Investigators identified Alicia Hegarty as the suspect who provided the narcotics to Luppke. After the investigation was completed and autopsy results were received, the case was presented to the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office and murder charges were filed. On February 23, 2023, Hegarty was arrested for murder in Sierra Vista, Arizona in conjunction with the United States Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force. Hegarty is being held on $1,000,000 bail and will face extradition proceedings in Arizona prior to being extradited to San Bernardino County.
In February 2021, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department created a pilot program in the response to the growing epidemic of overdose deaths from opioids. In July 2022, a full-time team was created, and additional resources were dedicated to the team. The team consists of investigators from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department and the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office Bureau of Investigation.
Drug trafficking organizations are producing counterfeit pharmaceutical pills containing fentanyl and putting fentanyl in drugs like cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine. Due to this trend, we are seeing an unprecedented rise in drug overdose deaths in San Bernardino County and across the country especially with our youth.
Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to contact the Gangs/Narcotics Division. Callers can remain anonymous and contact We-Tip at 800-78CRIME or www.wetip.com.”
