On April 16, 2024, the Kokomo Police Department Patrol Division responded to a southside home in reference to a report of an unconscious/unresponsive female. The female was deceased, and the Howard County Coroner’s office responded and assisted with the investigation.

An autopsy was performed along with a forensic toxicology request. The cause of death was determined to be combined intoxication of methamphetamine, duloxetine, acetyl fentanyl, fluorofentanyl, and fentanyl.

The case was investigated by the Kokomo Police Department Drug Task Force and Criminal Investigation Section. As a result of the investigation, warrants were issued for the arrest of Donald Riggs of Gas City and Steven Cole of Fairmount, each for one count of Dealing in a Controlled Substance Causing Death -- a Level 1 Felony -- and Dealing in a Narcotic Drug, a Level 4 Felony. The warrants were issued out of Howard County Superior Court 4. 

On April 5, 2025, Donald Riggs was arrested by the Gas City Police Department. Steven Cole has not been located at this time.    

This case remains active for investigation. Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Lt. Aaron Tarrh (765-456-7204), the Kokomo Police Department Hotline at (765) 456-7017, or the local jurisdiction where Steven Cole may be located. You may qualify for a cash reward by calling Central Indiana Crime Stoppers at 1-800-262-TIPS with your anonymous tip.

Remember all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.