Arrest Made in 2022 Fentanyl Overdose Death of 19-Year-Old Louis Reynier
PONCHATOULA, LA (May 22, 2025) — After nearly three years of heartbreak, unanswered questions, and persistent advocacy, the family of 19-year-old Louis Reynier may finally be closer to justice. The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office (TPSO) announced the arrest of Deandre Dominique Wheeler, 30, of Ponchatoula, in connection with Reynier’s 2022 fatal overdose. Wheeler has been charged with Second Degree Murder, Distribution of Fentanyl, Possession With Intent to Distribute Fentanyl and Marijuana, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
The breakthrough came after Reynier’s aunt publicly appealed for a renewed investigation into his death. Her plea followed the April 25, 2025, arrest of a suspect in a separate fentanyl-related homicide in Tickfaw, prompting the TPSO’s Narcotics Division to take a fresh look at Reynier’s long-dormant case. Within weeks, new leads emerged, ultimately leading to the arrest of Wheeler.
A Tragic Night in July 2022
On July 22, 2022, TPSO deputies responded to a call from a Ponchatoula residence where Louis Reynier was found unresponsive. First responders attempted life-saving measures, but Reynier was pronounced dead at the scene. An autopsy later confirmed the presence of a fatal concentration of fentanyl in his system, officially ruling his death an overdose.
Though an investigation began immediately, the case hit a wall and eventually went cold, leaving Reynier’s family without closure. That changed when the recent arrest in a similar case reinvigorated public attention and law enforcement scrutiny.
Arrest and Evidence
On Wednesday, May 22, 2025, Wheeler was taken into custody at his Ponchatoula home. According to TPSO, a search of the property yielded a disturbing trove of illegal items: counterfeit Xanax pills suspected of containing fentanyl, marijuana, multiple digital scales, packaging materials, and several cellular devices—all evidence of active drug distribution.
Wheeler is no stranger to law enforcement. He had previously been arrested in February 2025 on drug-related charges, adding to a long history of narcotics-related offenses stretching back nearly a decade.
TPSO officials confirmed through renewed investigation that Wheeler was the individual who sold the drugs that caused Reynier’s fatal overdose. His arrest marks a significant milestone in the sheriff’s office’s efforts to confront the fentanyl crisis head-on.
A Sheriff’s Promise: Justice and Reform
Sheriff Gerald Sticker, who assumed leadership of TPSO in July, emphasized the importance of reexamining unsolved cases and restoring public trust in law enforcement.
“This team has done that, time and time again, despite budgetary and staffing deficiencies, by providing a fresh pair of eyes and perspectives, not only on facts, but on principles,” said Sheriff Sticker. “I’m proud to share yet another example of our spotlight on the drug war getting brighter and bigger. This isn’t just about getting drugs—and usually guns with them—off the streets; it’s about saving lives and holding those accountable who know what they are selling is going to take lives.”
His administration has made it a priority to reevaluate cold cases, particularly those involving fentanyl, which has contributed to a staggering increase in overdose deaths nationwide.
Operation Angel: Help Without Judgment
In addition to its enforcement efforts, TPSO is part of Operation Angel, a program designed to help individuals struggling with addiction find treatment—without fear of arrest or prosecution. Those seeking help are encouraged to visit any TPSO office or call 985-747-9696 to get assistance for themselves or a loved one.
Honoring a Life Lost
As Wheeler faces justice, Reynier’s family is finally seeing movement in a case that had been marked by silence. Loved ones describe Louis as a bright, kind-hearted young man whose life ended far too soon. His story is one of many, emblematic of a larger crisis that continues to devastate families across the country.
The arrest of Wheeler offers a measure of accountability—but it also serves as a somber reminder of the deadly consequences of fentanyl and the urgent need for continued awareness, reform, and compassion in battling addiction.
For media inquiries, contact the TPSO Public Information Office at pio@tpso.org.