St Paul Woman Charged in Overdose Death Linked to Drug Distribution
LAKEVILLE, MINNESOTA - Ruth Rochelle Hill, 59, of Saint Paul, Minnesota, is facing multiple felony charges, including third-degree murder, in connection with the overdose death of Roberto Jose Romero, 36, in a Lakeville hotel room on July 3, 2022. The Dakota County Attorney’s Office alleges that Hill’s sale of controlled substances led to Romero’s fatal overdose.
Incident Overview
According to the criminal complaint from the Dakota County Attorney’s Office, on July 3, 2022, Lakeville Police officers were called to a hotel on 210th Street West for a medical emergency. Upon arrival, they found Romero unresponsive. He was later pronounced dead at the scene. The medical examiner’s Office determined Romero’s cause of death to be “combined drug (fentanyl, cocaine, and ethanol) toxicity,” which is consistent with a fatal overdose, the criminal complaint states.
Officers searched the hotel room and found trace amounts of cocaine on a hotel key card, supporting the drug-related nature of the incident, along with two cell phones. A subsequent investigation led authorities to Hill, who Romero’s partner identified as a drug supplier known by the alias “BB.”
Investigation Findings
According to the complaint, Hill, who resided in an apartment on Portland Avenue in Burnsville at the time, allegedly sold cocaine to Romero on multiple occasions, including the night before his death. Romero’s partner told authorities they had been using cocaine and drinking heavily in the days leading up to his death and had made multiple trips to Burnsville to purchase drugs from Hill.
Analysis of Romero’s cellphone records and witness statements allegedly directed police to Hill’s apartment. A search of her residence and vehicle allegedly led to the discovery of multiple controlled substances, including cocaine and fentanyl. Hill allegedly admitted to purchasing and using cocaine, as well as selling it to Romero. She stated that both she and Romero allegedly experienced unusual effects from what they believed to be cocaine, a detail corroborated by the substances allegedly discovered in her possession.
Charges and Bail Conditions
Hill has been charged with third-degree murder for allegedly providing controlled substances that resulted in an unintentional death. She also faces a second charge for fifth-degree possession of a controlled substance after officers discovered additional narcotics in her possession.
The Dakota County Attorney’s Office has set bail at $250,000 without conditions or $200,000 with conditions that include Hill’s participation in the Pretrial Release Program, mandatory chemical testing, and a prohibition on leaving the state. She is also required to abstain from alcohol and controlled substances and comply with random testing requirements. Her next hearing is set for November 13, 2024, at 9 AM in Hastings, Minnesota.
Written by: Will Wight
