Teen death ruled ‘accidental' overdose

An overdose of methadone caused the death of a 16-year-old Willows boy in June, the Glenn County Coroner's Office reported Friday.

Cody Cole Carter was found dead June 27 at his family's home on County Road O, east of Willows.

Lt. Richard Warren said investigators are still trying to determine where Carter obtained the methadone pills and said he did not have a prescription.

"We're still unsure how and where he got it, but I have no doubt this was an accidental death," Warren said.

Methadone is commonly used to treat chronic pain and is frequently prescribed to recovering drug and alcohol addicts. While it differs chemically from heroin and morphine, it produces similar effects when ingested, according to the New England Journal of Medicine.

Cody attended Willows schools until he was about 13. After the seventh grade, Cody and his twin sister, Caylee, moved to Oroville with their mother, Deborah Rilley. Cody attended Oroville High School and was set to enter his junior year.

Described as "funny" and "sharp," Cody planned a career in law enforcement, according to family members.

Contact Rob Parsons at 934-6800 or rparsons@tcnpress.com.