PONCHATOULA — Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies have arrested an individual for the 2022 overdose death of a 19-year-old man. The case was reopened after the victim’s family urged TPSO to re-examine the case.
Deputies arrested Deandre Dominique Wheeler, 30, of Ponchatoula, on one count of second-degree murder, distribution of fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and marijuana, as well as possession of drug paraphernalia.
On July 22, 2022, TPSO deputies responded to a Ponchatoula area home for an unresponsive 19-year-old male, identified as Louis Reynier. Reynier died on the scene.
An autopsy confirmed that his death was the result of an overdose, with a significant amount of fentanyl present in his blood. The case remained under investigation for more than year, but ultimately went cold, officials said.
Following the April 25, 2025 announcement of a murder arrest in connection with the overdose death of a Tickfaw man, Reynier’s aunt began raising awareness about her nephew’s cold case, which led current TPSO Narcotics detectives to look into those files.
After a month-long investigation, detectives say they believe Wheeler was the individual who sold Reynier the drugs that ultimately killed him.
On May 21, detectives arrested Wheeler at his home in the Ponchatoula area. During his arrest, detectives found evidence of drug distribution in the home, including counterfeit Xanax pills suspected to contain fentanyl, marijuana, digital scales, packaging materials, and various cell phones.
Wheeler was arrested in February for drug-related crimes, the latest in a drug-arrest history dating back almost a decade, officials reported.
“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 take lives,” said Sheriff Gerald Sticker.
TPSO participates with the Operation Angel program, which offers those struggling with addiction to turn to the sheriff’s office to seek treatment, at no charge, without fear of consequences. If you, or a loved one, wants help through Operation Angel, individuals can come to any TPSO office or call 985-747-9696.
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