Alexandra Carol Capelouto, was a remarkable young lady—smart, funny, charming, beautiful, and deeply empathetic. However, she also battled depression, diagnosed as a teenager with massive depressive disorder. As those familiar with mental illness understand, depression can be as debilitating as physical pain. Despite her struggles, Alex managed to put on a brave face and navigate her teenage years. She even earned a full academic scholarship to college.

“Alex’s life was cut short by a drug dealer, or more appropriately, a death dealer. While no parent condones their child buying painkiller drugs illegally, the greater crime lies with the individual who profited from my daughter’s life by selling her a counterfeit Oxycodone pill made with a lethal dose of fentanyl.”

Two years to the week after Alex’s death Brandon Michael McDowell was arrested on the federal charge of distribution of fentanyl resulting in death. Alex’s case was the first federal case of its kind in Riverside County California.

Alex will forever be 20 years old. Her family will forever be heartbroken.