In brief: Charge sought in jail drug suicide

Detectives are seeking a manslaughter charge against a former Spokane County Jail inmate they believe provided prescription drugs used in another inmate’s suicide.

Ronald F. Edwards, 41, could be charged with delivery of a prescription drug and second-degree manslaughter under a charging recommendation sent to Spokane County prosecutors.

Detectives believe Edwards provided the prescription antidepressant amitriptyline to Christopher H. Devlin, a convicted killer who died of an overdose on Sept. 20, five days after being sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Edwards was one of two jail inmates prescribed the drug.

Investigators believe Edwards gave his daily dose to Devlin after hiding the pills in his mouth.

DNA on a pill hidden in Devlin’s mattress matched a DNA sample taken from Edwards at the state prison in Forks, Wash., May 6, the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office announced. Edwards is serving 25 months for third-degree assault. Detectives say Edwards frequently spent time with Devlin when the two were out of their cells.

Devlin was convicted in August of the May 2008 shooting death of 52-year-old Daniel Heily.

Hospital opens inpatient program

Providence Holy Family Hospital has begun an inpatient program for people withdrawing from alcohol and drug use.

The hospital-based program is in partnership with New Vision, a division of SpecialCare Hospital Management Corp. based in St. Louis.

The program will accept adults who voluntarily seek crisis intervention.

The expected stay is three to five days and is eligible for coverage by Medicaid, Medicare and many insurers.