A jury discovered former Los Angeles Angels communications director Erik Kay responsible of giving pitcher Tyler Skaggs the medicine he overdosed on in July 2019.

Kay, 47, was discovered responsible Thursday of 1 cost of conspiracy to own fentanyl with the intent to distribute and one cost of distribution of a managed substance leading to demise. Kay may very well be sentenced to a minimal of 20 years and a $1 million superb for the drug-related conviction.

The 27-year-old Angels participant was touring together with his staff to play towards the Texas Rangers when he was discovered useless in his lodge room on July 1, 2019. The post-mortem report indicated Skaggs had choked on his vomit from taking fentanyl-laced drugs.

The post-mortem report additionally revealed Skaggs had oxycodone and alcohol in his system. Nonetheless, the prosecutors argued the MLB participant would not have died if it wasn't for the fentanyl, which they mentioned got here from the counterfeit oxycodone drugs Kay gave to him in Texas, the Los Angeles Occasions reported.

Eric Kay Found Guilty
Eric Kay was discovered responsible of offering Tyler Skaggs the medicine that led to the Los Angeles Angels pitcher's overdose demise. Above, Kay waits to cross the road after exiting federal courtroom on February 15, 2022, in Fort Value, Texas. LM Otero/AP Picture

The protection tried to poke holes within the prosecution's principle by arguing that Skaggs had a number of drug connections who might have gotten him the drugs earlier than or after the flight. Additionally they argued nobody might say for sure it was solely the fentanyl that killed him as a result of different substances in his system, and there was no proof the crime was dedicated in Texas, ESPN reported.

The trial lasted greater than every week, with opening statements starting on February 8. The protection tried to create cheap doubt with the federal government's case however the jury deliberated for simply three hours earlier than reaching a responsible verdict indicating that Kay was chargeable for offering Skagg the drugs that killed him, ESPN added.

"We're clearly upset within the verdict. We thought there have been many causes to doubt the federal government's case," mentioned Reagan Wynn, one in all Kay's attorneys.

The investigation into Skagg's demise and the trial revealed additional use of opioids among the many Angels staff. 4 gamers—C.J. Cron, Cam Bedrosian, Matt Harvey and Mike Morin—testified in courtroom additionally they acquired drugs from Kay.

"This case is a sober reminder: Fentanyl kills. Anybody who offers fentanyl - whether or not on the streets or out of a world-famous baseball stadium - places his or her patrons in danger. Nobody is immune from this lethal drug," U.S. Legal professional Chad E. Meacham mentioned in a press release.

The Skaggs household launched a press release relating to the responsible verdict saying they had been grateful to the jury and the federal government for seeing the case by means of.

"Tyler was the sunshine of our household. He's gone, and nothing can ever deliver him again. We're relieved that justice was served, though at this time is a painful reminder of the worst day within the lifetime of our household," they mentioned within the assertion.

Kay's sentencing is scheduled for June 28.

Replace 02/17/22, 5:44 p.m. ET: This text was up to date with extra details about Kay's trial and extra background.

Replace 02/17/22, 5:15 p.m. ET: This text was up to date with background data and a press release from the Skaggs household.