Additional charge considered in death

NEW CASTLE — The Lawrence County district attorney says he’ll meet with police and the family of a girl who died after taking oxycodone to decide if another charge will be filed in her death.

Erica Million, 16, died March 4, 2007, after she was found unconscious in a math class at New Castle High School on Feb. 27, according to Vindicator files. She died at a Pittsburgh hospital.

A classmate, 16-year-old Joshua Stewart, was accused by city police of providing Million with the drug. Stewart was charged as a juvenile with possession with intent to deliver, said District Attorney John J. Bongivengo.

If an additional charge is filed, it will also be in juvenile court, he said.

Bongivengo said he expects the meeting with Million’s family and police to take place either late this week or early next week. He declined to specify what charge is being considered, saying he wants a chance for the family to hear about it first.

After the district attorney’s office makes a decision on the other charge, the case will go forward, Bongivengo said. Even though it is in juvenile court, the public will be allowed in court for hearings because Stewart is charged with a felony and is above age 14.

The court does have the option of barring the public from hearings, he said.