Catahoula Parish, La (10/28/2025) – The Catahoula Parish Sheriff’s Office is investigating an inmate’s death after he smoked synthetic cannabinoids inside the Catahoula Correctional Center (CCC).
On October 6, 2025, inmate Joshua Cole collapsed on his bunk after smoking what guards believe was synthetic marijuana, known as Mojo. Another inmate alerted officers, who found Cole unresponsive and not breathing.
Correctional staff immediately began CPR, used an AED, and administered Narcan. AMR paramedics arrived and continued life-saving efforts. AirEvac was called, but Cole died before he could be airlifted.
Chief Detective Dewain Littleton led the investigation, which identified inmate Craigdrick King as the person who supplied the substance. Surveillance footage confirmed the handoff, and King admitted providing the contraband during questioning.
Coroner Raymond Rouse ordered an autopsy at Gulf Coast Forensics in Lake Charles. The report listed Cole’s cause of death as “acute toxic effects of MDMB-4en-PINACA,” a synthetic cannabinoid classified as a Schedule I drug. Toxicology also found 5F-PINACA-3,3-dimethylbutanoic acid, another potent synthetic chemical.
Synthetic cannabinoids
Synthetic cannabinoids like MDMB-4en-PINACA and 5F-PINACA are often sold as “K2” or “Spice.” They are sprayed onto plant material and smoked to mimic THC. These drugs are far more potent and can cause severe reactions, including seizures, cardiac arrest, hallucinations, and death.
Based on the findings, detectives obtained an arrest warrant for King under Louisiana statute LA RS 14:30.1 (A)(3), which covers second-degree murder in cases where a person’s death results from the unlawful distribution of controlled substances.
King was booked into the Catahoula Parish Jail on October 28, 2025.
Sheriff Toney Edwards said the department is working to stop contraband from entering correctional facilities. “Despite safeguards, inmates continue to find ways to bring in dangerous substances,” Edwards said. “We are reviewing procedures, training staff, and adapting our approach to keep everyone safe.”
The investigation into how synthetic drugs entered the facility remains active, and deputies say more arrests are possible.
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