Howard County Coroner’s Office

04/30/2026

04/28/2026

04/16/2026

The Howard County Coroner’s Office is sharing this important information to alert the community regarding the emergence of Cychlorphine (also known as N-Propionitrile Chlorphine), a synthetic opioid significantly more powerful than fentanyl. Recently detected in major regional hubs, including Chicago, this substance has been linked to a rising number of fatal overdoses across the Midwest, including Ohio, Kentucky, and Tennessee.

Why This is a Threat
Cychlorphine is a "designer drug" that presents unique challenges for families, first responders, and medical professionals:

Extreme Potency: Preliminary data indicate Cychlorphine is approximately 10 times more potent than fentanyl. Even a microscopic amount, smaller than a grain of salt, can be immediately fatal.

Invisible to Test Strips: Unlike many other synthetic drugs, Cychlorphine will not trigger a positive result on standard fentanyl test strips. Users and families may believe a substance is "safe" from fentanyl, while it contains this even more lethal additive.

Naloxone (Narcan) Resistance: Due to the way this drug binds to the brain, a single dose of Narcan may not be enough to reverse an overdose. Multiple doses are often required to save a life.

What to Look For -
Cychlorphine is often hidden in the illicit drug supply and may appear as:
Powder: Typically off-white, grey, or tan.
Counterfeit Pills: Frequently pressed to look like legitimate prescription medications, such as Oxycodone (M30 pills) or Hydromorphone.
Adulterant: It is commonly mixed into other drugs like he**in, methamphetamine, or "Tranq" (Xylazine) without the user’s knowledge.

Safety Recommendations -
One Pill Can Kill: Never consume any medication that was not prescribed specifically for you by a licensed physician and dispensed by a legitimate pharmacy.

03/18/2026

Howard County Crash Claims Life of Kokomo Woman

Howard County – Earlier today, March 17, 2026, just before 10:00 a.m., officers from the Indiana State Police, Howard County Sheriff's Office, and the Greentown Police Department responded to an injury-involved crash on State Road 22 near County Road 1350 East in which a Kokomo, IN, woman died.

The preliminary crash investigation by Senior Trooper Matthew Moon revealed that Brittani N. Duncan, 35, of Kokomo, IN, was driving a 2013 Chevrolet Captiva traveling westbound on State Road 22 near County Road 1350 East. Also, in the vehicle was a juvenile passenger. For an undetermined reason, the Chevrolet crossed the center of the roadway and struck a 2021 Freightliner semi driven by Christopher Lindeman, 26, of Saint Robert, MO. The Chevrolet then struck a 2021 Buick Enclave driven by Lisa M. Canada, 59, of Kokomo, IN.

Ms. Duncan was pronounced deceased at the crash scene by the Howard County Coroner's Office. The juvenile was flown by air to an area hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. Ms. Canada was transported by ambulance to a local hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. Mr. Lindeman was uninjured.

This is an ongoing investigation. At this time, neither the consumption of alcoholic beverages nor narcotics are suspected of contributing to this crash. Notification to the family of the deceased has been made.

Senior Trooper Moon was assisted by other members of the Indiana State Police Peru District, Howard County Sheriff's Office, Greentown Police Department, Greentown Volunteer Fire Department, Greentown EMS, Howard County EMA, Community Howard EMS, Lutheran Air, and Howard County Coroner's Office.

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Glass

01/28/2026

Medicolegal Death Investigation Professionals Week

01/19/2026