Homicide trial in Waukesha overdose death delayed

April 29, 2010
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By Tom Kertscher of the Journal Sentinel

April 29, 2010 0

Waukesha - The homicide trial of a Waukesha man charged with giving a fatal dose of morphine to a fellow drug user was postponed Thursday.

Jason M. Earhart's trial had been set for May 4, but his attorney asked for a delay because a witness would not be available.

The trial is now set for Sept. 14.

Earhart, 30, told police he didn't feel responsible for the death of Thomas R. Pike II, 29, according to a criminal complaint.

"No, you don't understand what it's like to be a user. This is what we do. We share drugs," Earhart allegedly said.

Earhart injected Pike with a morphine pill that he had liquefied with heat, the complaint says.

Pike was found dead the next day, Aug. 2, 2009, in a Waukesha apartment.

Morphine is an opiate/narcotic that changes the way the body senses pain. It is prescribed for moderate to severe pain that lasts around the clock for longer than a few days.

A searchable database of drug overdose deaths in Milwaukee, Waukesha, Ozaukee and Washington counties is part of Prescription for Tragedy, a Journal Sentinel Watchdog Report.

Tom Kertscher thumbnail
About Tom Kertscher

Tom Kertscher is a PolitiFact Wisconsin reporter. He covered the Steven Avery case, which is featured in "Making A Murderer," and has authored two sports books: "Cracked Sidewalks and French Pastry: The Wit and Wisdom of Al McGuire" and "Brett Favre: A Packer Fan's Tribute."

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