TEEN CHARGED IN MALL OD DEATH

A 17-year-old boy has been charged in connection with the drug
overdose death last month of 14-year-old Cassandra Williams.

The teenager has been charged with two counts of trafficking,
possession of marijuana, resisting arrest and possession of the
proceeds of crime.

He also had six outstanding warrants: two for being unlawfully at
large, possession of a weapon, assault with a weapon, theft and
failure to comply.

He has been in custody since his arrest April 25, the day after
Cassandra and her friend each took six ecstasy pills and overdosed
during an evening at the Rock 'n' Ride Dance Party at West Edmonton Mall.

The friend survived.

After Cassandra's death, many teens identified the youth event as a
common hangout for drug dealers, who offered easy access to cheap
drugs, such as ecstasy.

Earlier this week, West Edmonton Mall officials announced they had
suspended Rock 'n' Ride for the remainder of the school year, with
plans to introduce a revamped event in the fall.