Three individuals, including the victim’s father, have pleaded guilty in connection with the drug overdose death of a 26-year-old man, who died on March 27, 2023, at a home on Laura Drive in Jasper. Authorities determined that Landon Tyler Rader’s death resulted from the “forced ingestion” of drugs and the failure of those involved to seek medical help.

AL.com reported that Walker County District Attorney Bill Adair announced the sentencing of the three defendants on Tuesday. The case marks the first drug-related overdose homicide prosecution in Walker County.

James “Jamie” Rader, 49, the victim’s father, pleaded guilty to reckless manslaughter and was sentenced to 15 years in prison. Authorities said his actions contributed to his son’s death by failing to get medical assistance and inducing the ingestion of additional narcotics.

Ryan Clark, 25, also pleaded guilty to felony murder. He was sentenced to 25 years in prison.

Tonya Keene, 45, pleaded guilty to unlawful distribution of a controlled substance. She was sentenced to 15 years, with three years to serve and the remainder on probation.

Authorities said that in addition to the initial overdose, the victim was forced to consume additional drugs, which ultimately led to his death. Both Clark and Keene were identified as neighbors of the victim.

It remains unclear exactly how the “forced ingestion” occurred, but the circumstances surrounding the case prompted murder charges for those involved.