New arrest in Portage heroin death

KALAMAZOO COUNTY, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) - Portage Police have made another arrest in connection with the heroin-related death of 18-year-old Amy Bousfield.

Prosecutors say they have issued a charge of Delivery of controlled Substance Causing Death against Joseph Anthony Wheeler, age 21. The charge is a felony offense which could carry a sentence of life in prison.

According to prosecutors this new charge stems from an intensive investigation by the Portage Police Department into the death of 18-year-old Amy Bousfield who was found unresponsive on June 26, 2008 and later died at Bronson Hospital from an opiate overdose.

Portage Police say that the investigation uncovered evidence that Wheeler helped to procure the heroin that was later used by Bousfield and Carrie Anne Wickham. Police say that Wickham also played a role in procuring the illegal drug and is facing charges similar to those just authorized against Wheeler.

Prosecuting Attorney Jeff Fink stated that "the tragic nature of of Amy's death is compounded by the involvement of these two young people."

Wheeler was released on a Personal Recognizance bond.