'This person has zero remorse,' says sister of Axel Martin after alleged dealer arrested again

The family of a 14-year-old boy who died from taking toxic drugs says they're not surprised to see his alleged dealer arrested again.

Zachery Mulrooney, 19, was already facing a single charge of manslaughter related to the overdose death of Axel Martin, when he was picked up by the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary at a local shopping centre on Tuesday.

Police say he was in possession of oxycodone and hydromorphone pills. They charged him with two counts of trafficking.

Martin's sister, Chantel Kennedy Stagg, said she was initially shocked to learn of his arrest — though on reflection, not surprised.

"The fact that he was out and allegedly involved in more illegal activity only highlights how dangerous he is and how critical it is for the court to hold him accountable," Kennedy Stagg said.

"This person has zero remorse and it couldn’t be more clear."

Mulrooney is alleged to have supplied Martin with the drugs that caused his death. Police said Martin believed he was taking Dilaudid and Xanax, but actually ingested a concoction of synthetic opioids.

Mulrooney was arrested in July, but was not held in custody for a bail hearing. Instead, he was released by police on a promise to appear in court at a later date.

This time around, the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary kept Mulrooney in custody.

He made a brief court appearance on Wednesday, where Crown prosecutor Tim O'Brien said he was "strongly opposed" to Mulrooney's release.

He's due for a bail hearing on Thursday.

Kennedy Stagg hopes the court sends a clear message to the 19-year-old this time around.

"Cases like this show why laws exist to protect communities and why consequences, including jail time, are essential," she said. "Hopefully this demonstrates to the court the importance of justice and keeping the public safe."

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