An Elkmont woman is facing a manslaughter charge for allegedly distributing fentanyl that is believed to have led to the overdose death of a 54-year-old man Saturday.
Rebecca Myrick, 60, was arrested and booked Saturday into the Limestone County jail. She faces penalties under a new state law, passed in April, that states “a person commits the crime of manslaughter if he or she knowingly sells, furnishes, gives away, delivers or distributes a controlled substance which contains fentanyl, any mixture containing fentanyl, any synthetic controlled substance fentanyl or any synthetic controlled substance fentanyl analogue” which results in someone dying.
No bond has been set for Myrick.
She is accused of providing fentanyl to Lawrence Ward Light, who was found deceased around 7:55 p.m. Saturday after Limestone County deputies responded to a call in the 15000 block of Witty Mill Road in Elkmont about a possible overdose.
Law enforcement said they believe that Myrick gave Light the fentanyl.
Limestone County Sheriff Joshua McLaughlin, in a media release, said the county is experiencing an increase in fentanyl overdoses, which is “endangering not only those struggling with addiction but our entire community.”
“First responders are now encountering this dangerous substance on a daily basis, risking their safety as they work to save lives.” McLaughlin said in the release. “We will relentlessly pursue and make arrests whenever we can, especially in cases where lives are lost due to this devastating drug.”
According to data provided by the state, 67 drug overdoses reported by Limestone County EMS workers in 2023.
The Sheriff’s Office says that if anyone has information about individuals distributing fentanyl in Limestone County, to send a tip by calling (256) 232-0111, or via the Sheriff’s Department’s website.
