Woman Charged with Involuntary Manslaughter in Drug Overdose

Christina Garner, 55, was charged with involuntary manslaughter Friday, nearly a month after the death of Michael Mehalovich, 26.

Urbandale police were summoned to the , 7625 Hickman Road, on Dec. 16 by a caller who said there was an unresponsive man in Room 131.

Mehalovich had been living in the room, said Urbandale police spokesman Randy Peterson. Police and rescuers tried to resuscitate Mehalovich, but he was declared dead at Broadlawns Hospital.

Peterson said Garner, who also was a tenant at the motel, was charged shortly afterwards and has been at the Polk County jail on narcotics charges since then.

Peterson said Garner was not living with Mehalovich, nor was she the caller who summoned police. Police allege that she was supplying him with drugs.

Peterson said the involuntary manslaughter charge was filed after toxicology reports indicated that the drugs killed Mehalovich. 

Peterson said he did not know what drugs were identified in the report. 

Garner's bond on all charges totals $67,000 cash or surety.