How investigators build a criminal case from drug overdose deaths like Hayden Panettiere’s

The death of Hayden Panettiere last month is now the subject of a federal investigation into whether the actress obtained illicit and possibly counterfeit drugs from a dealer in Southern California, a source familiar with the investigation told CNN. But building a criminal case from her accidental overdose death will be an uphill challenge for investigators. Tens of thousands of people die from drug overdose deaths every year, but only a few hundred per year lead to criminal charges. Some celebrity deaths in recent years, notably those of “Friends” actor Matthew Perry and rapper Mac Miller, have led to charges. Others, like the death of the musician Prince, did not. “These are just really difficult cases, regardless of if you’re a celebrity or if you’re just John Q.