The Orinda Police Department announced on August 27th that the case involving the death of Miramonte High School student Joseph Loudon has been submitted to the District Attorney's Office for review and an additional person has been charged.
19-year-old Alexandra Gabrielli was charged with furnishing alcoholic beverages to a person under 21 and contributing to the delinquency of persons under 18 during an Orinda party in May where 16-year-old Loudon was found unresponsive; Loudon was pronounced dead later that evening. Gabrielli's brother, 18-year-old Patrick Gabrielli, was arrested for the same charges the night of the party. A 16-year-old boy was also arrested for furnishing alcohol.
"After three months of interviews and investigating, there is no evidence of a crime, nor is there any indication that Joe's death was criminal," said Orinda Police Chief Bill French. "There is nothing to indicate that a hazing was taking place or that Loudon was forced to consume any alcohol or drugs."
The Coroner found Loudon's death to be accidental. The autopsy also found the drug papaverine in Loudon's system. In a written statement, Sherriff's Department spokesman Jimmy Lee said detectives attempted to trace where it came from but were told there was not enough probable cause to secure a search warrant. In addition, according to Lee, after checking with local pharmacies police found that the last time a prescription was filled for that drug was more than three years ago. French said the investigation is complete, but added, "Our greatest frustration is that there are individuals who may have knowledge about the circumstances surrounding the papaverine, yet no one is talking." French also acknowledged ongoing concerns about unanswered questions regarding Loudon's death, saying "We have done everything we could in investigating the death. Sadly, this is a situation where we may never know some answers."
Anyone with any information on the case or on the source of the papaverine is still encouraged to contact the Orinda Police Department at (925) 284-5010.
L.Borrowman
19-year-old Alexandra Gabrielli was charged with furnishing alcoholic beverages to a person under 21 and contributing to the delinquency of persons under 18 during an Orinda party in May where 16-year-old Loudon was found unresponsive; Loudon was pronounced dead later that evening. Gabrielli's brother, 18-year-old Patrick Gabrielli, was arrested for the same charges the night of the party. A 16-year-old boy was also arrested for furnishing alcohol.
"After three months of interviews and investigating, there is no evidence of a crime, nor is there any indication that Joe's death was criminal," said Orinda Police Chief Bill French. "There is nothing to indicate that a hazing was taking place or that Loudon was forced to consume any alcohol or drugs."
The Coroner found Loudon's death to be accidental. The autopsy also found the drug papaverine in Loudon's system. In a written statement, Sherriff's Department spokesman Jimmy Lee said detectives attempted to trace where it came from but were told there was not enough probable cause to secure a search warrant. In addition, according to Lee, after checking with local pharmacies police found that the last time a prescription was filled for that drug was more than three years ago. French said the investigation is complete, but added, "Our greatest frustration is that there are individuals who may have knowledge about the circumstances surrounding the papaverine, yet no one is talking." French also acknowledged ongoing concerns about unanswered questions regarding Loudon's death, saying "We have done everything we could in investigating the death. Sadly, this is a situation where we may never know some answers."
Anyone with any information on the case or on the source of the papaverine is still encouraged to contact the Orinda Police Department at (925) 284-5010.
L.Borrowman
Reach the reporter at:
Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA