(L.A.) Joseph Balentine, 74, Died From Illicit Drug Use

Case Number: 2024-15372

Los Angeles County is reporting the death of a 74-year-old Black male that occurred at his residence.

The coroner’s office has identified the man as Joseph Balentine.

Manner of Death: Accident

Cause of Death: Effects of Fentanyl and Heroin

RIP JOSEPH BALENTINE (June 6, 1950 – September 28, 2024)

Formal pronouncement of death was made on Saturday at 9:44 a.m.

Ruling by the deputy medical examiner was published on January 21, presumably after the results of tox screening had come back from the lab.

This is considered an accidental, i.e., unintentional, drug overdose.