Watch CBS News

Aaron Boogaard Charged In Brother's Drug Death

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Twenty four-year-old Aaron Boogaard is facing two criminal charges stemming from the night his brother, former Minnesota Wild hockey player Derek Boogaard, died from a mix of alcohol and Oxycodone.

The Hennepin County Attorney's Office charged him Friday with third-degree controlled substance crime and interference with scene of death.

"It's a tragic situation. The family already suffered significant loss," said Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman.

Aaron Boogaard is accused of making a decision that may forever haunt him.

"What started it all is when Aaron gave Derek the first pill," said Freeman.

In Derek's Minneapolis apartment on May 12, the two prepared for a night on the town. Aaron later told police that Derek said he had reason to celebrate.

"Derek had returned the day before from New York, where he'd been undergoing chemical dependency treatment," said Freeman.

The criminal complaint states that Aaron kept Derek's Percocet and Oxycontin drugs, which were not prescribed to the hockey player.

"Aaron said Derek didn't ask the drug for pain, but he asked it to go get ready to go on a binger," said Freeman.

A day later, Derek was found dead in that Minneapolis apartment and a call was made to police.

"Between the time police were called and they arrived, Aaron confessed he disposed of rest of Percocet and Oxycontin down the toilet," said Freeman.

Now, Aaron is looking at possible prison time while still mourning the loss of his brother.

"Everyone around him should have known that you simply can't give these kind of drugs to someone who's badly addicted," said Freeman.

Freeman said his office will not pursue more serious charges of manslaughter in this case. Aaron Boogaard was released from custody to his family Friday afternoon.

Boogaard's attorney, John Lundquist, released a statement Friday afternoon.

"We are pleased that Aaron Boogaard is with his family, having been released from custody by bothHennepinCounty andU.S.immigration authorities. We will address the allegations in court rather than in the media, but note that Aaron was and remains devastated by his brother's death. The entire Boogaard family has suffered tremendous loss and we ask that you respect their privacy as they continue to mourn the death of Derek."

If convicted, Aaron Boogaard faces a maximum penalty of up to 21 years in prison and more than $250,000 in fines.

Related Stories:
Aaron Boogaard Arrested On Drug Allegation
Former Wild Player Boogaard Found Dead In Mpls Apartment
Foul Play Not Suspected In Boogaard's Death

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.