After famed late-actor Philip Seymour Hoffman passed away earlier this year, many were astounded to find out it was from a heroin overdose, per the coroner. When authorities arrested his dealer, Robert Aaron Vineberg, they wanted to lock him away but now, Vineberg has avoided jail time via a plea deal.
Hoffman, 46, was found dead February 2 with evidence indicating that it was a drug overdose. Tests proved that it was a cocktail of heroin, cocaine, amphetamines and benzodiazepines and ruled the death an accident.
Vineberg, a Canadian jazz musician, was implicated in the death and after police raided his apartment and confiscated $1,284 was awaiting trial. But, comments that Vineberg made to his arresting officers claiming he rarely sold to Hoffman were ruled inadmissible in court.
Also, Vineberg was not read his rights.
And per The Guardian, Vineberg will be sentenced on October 14 and was visibly relieved to be released to legally supervised treatment for drug abuse as well as probation. Vineberg said to reporters, "It's all over. The worst part is that I still lost my friend."
Heroin has been commonplace in the jazz world for decades and lately has been the drug of choice of many stars and starlets. Investigations to arrest dealers may be better spent elsewhere.
A tragedy for Hoffman and Vineberg alike, at least an investigation can be put to bed.
