LAW TOO LIGHT ON DEALERS

Teen Ecstasy Victim's Stepdad Says Seller Should Be Charged With Her Death

The stepfather of an Edmonton teen who died after overdosing on
ecstasy thinks the mostly drug-related charges against her alleged
drug dealer aren't enough.

Guy Buehler, stepfather of Cassie (Eyre) Williams, said he thinks it
may be time to charge drug dealers with the deaths linked to their drugs.

"It's a wake-up call to the justice system," said Buehler.

Cops laid five charges against a 17-year-old they busted the day
after Williams' death.

Williams was taken off of life support April 25 - one day after she
became sick from taking six triple-strength ecstasy pills before
attending the West Edmonton Mall Rock 'n' Ride dance party.

Only one of the charges -trafficking - relates directly to Williams'
death, said Edmonton police spokesman Karen Carlson.

The alleged dealer also faces another charge of trafficking, along
with possession of marijuana, resisting arrest and possession of the
proceeds of crime - all based on items cops found on him when he was arrested.

The same youth was wanted on six outstanding warrants, including one
for assault with a weapon.

"I think he should've got negligence or something related to Cassie's
death because he (allegedly) played a direct part," said Buehler.

"He's (allegedly) affected a lot of people's lives."

The charges also left Chris Courtenay, Williams' 17-year-old friend,
thirsting for justice.

"One, she's dead; Two, he's got so many other things against him. One
charge is ridiculous," he said.

Buehler said he thinks the justice system should be able to punish
the 17-year-old - if convicted - beyond a trafficking charge.

"Maybe it breaks out questions of how the legal system treats drug
dealers. Maybe if you sell drugs and someone dies, you are charged," he said.

A strengthened legal system resulting from the case would help the
family live with their loss, he said.

"I think we're going to look at this positively, make positive
changes so this doesn't happen to other kids," he said.