First death by distribution case to be prosecuted in Davidson County
A High Point man charged in connection with a death that resulted from an overdose in 2021 has pleaded guilty to death by distribution, which is the first to be prosecuted in Davidson County.
On May 28, 2021, officers responded to 311 James Avenue and found Jacob Fields, 35, deceased. The autopsy report revealed Fields died from a fentanyl overdose.
Detectives conducted a lengthy investigation which identified Larento Valentino Grady Jr., 30, of 2801 Craig Point Road, High Point, as being the supplier of fentanyl to Fields.
On June 13, 2022, High Point officers assisted the Thomasville Police Department in locating and arresting Grady at his High Point address without incident.
Grady was indicted by a Davidson County Grand Jury on one count of second-degree murder and one count of death by distribution in July 2022.
On May 8, 2024, Grady pleaded guilty to death by distribution before Superior Court Judge Lori Hamilton as the trial was set to begin. Judge Hamilton sentenced Grady to serve a minimum of 100 months and a maximum of 132 months in prison.
“The sentence of Larento Grady Jr., to over eight years in prison is a testament to the hard work Thomasville detectives and the Davidson County District Attorney’s Office put into this investigation to ensure our goal was accomplished,” said Detective Lt. Jeff McCrary. “Thomasville detectives continue to work tirelessly alongside the Davidson County District Attorney’s Office and other law enforcement partners to ensure the people dealing drugs in our community are held fully accountable for the death and destruction they selfishly cause.”
