Walker County Sheriff Steve Wilson announced this week that two individuals have been arrested and charged in connection with the fentanyl overdose death of a Lafayette man that occurred on April 11, 2025.

The deceased has been identified as David Victor Benitez, 31, a resident of Lafayette, GA. Deputies responded to a residence in Walker County on April 11, 2025, following a report of a death.

An autopsy conducted subsequently revealed that Benitez died from a lethal fentanyl overdose.

A thorough investigation by Walker County detectives determined that Benitez had purchased fentanyl from Christopher Vance Bell and Kelly Rae Durham shortly before his death.

At the completion of the investigation, the following charges were filed against the two suspects:

Christopher Vance Bell, 26, of Rock Spring, GA
Kelly Rae Durham, 27, of Rossville, GA

Both Bell and Durham have been charged with:

O.C.G.A. 16-5-3.1 – Aggravated Involuntary Manslaughter for Fentanyl Overdose Death (Felony)
O.C.G.A. 16-13-72 – Sale, Distribution or Possession of Dangerous Drug (Felony)

Bell and Durham are both currently in custody and housed at the Walker County Jail. The investigation underscored the ongoing dangers associated with illicit fentanyl.