The prison term is set for an overdose of ketamine with fentanyl in Aurora

AURORA, Il. – Four years after the death of a man from fentanyl, added to ketamine Aurorathe suspect was convicted of drug-induced murder.

On Wednesday, an Illinois judge sentenced Samunel Nesnidal to six years in prison, the minimum sentence. The decision was made after the court considered his lack of previous convictions.

AJ Bank, five days shy of his 24th birthday, was struggling with anxiety, depression and trauma when he bought ketamine from Nesnidal, who he described as a “trusted friend”. The drug, without knowing it, was contained with fentanyl.

In court, Benka’s mother made a victim impact statement, detailing the long-term grief her family experienced after the death of her only son. She urged the court to send a serious message to drug dealers with an appropriate sentence.

“Fentanyl is everywhere and my son didn’t know he was getting it. And I need others to be aware of the dangers to our children and those who experiment and self-medicate. He’s in everything and our kids are dying,” said Wendy Bank, AJ’s mother.

Banka’s sister also gave a victim impact statement, which was read by the prosecutor. In it, she wrote that she forgave Nesnidal for his actions.

Along with the prison sentence, Nesnidal will have to pay approximately $20,000 in restitution to cover Bank’s funeral expenses. After serving 75 percent of his six-year term, he faces a mandatory parole period of 18 months, with credit for two days he previously spent in custody.