Florida Man Convicted of First-Degree Murder After Fentanyl Overdose

Can you be convicted of murder for supplying drugs that lead to an overdose death? In Florida, the answer is yes. Anthony Mansfield was recently convicted of first-degree murder for supplying drugs to a 27-year-old victim who later died on the substance.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said the 27-year-old was found dead in his mobile home park. Detectives found what appeared to be crack cocaine in his sock. Detectives in HCSO’s Opioid Overdose Investigation Unit discovered that 47-year-old Anthony Mansfield supplied the drugs leading to the victim’s overdose. Mansfield had previously been convicted of 20 felonies.

Mansfield was arrested and charged with trafficking in fentanyl (28 grams or more), possession of cocaine with intent to deliver, delivery of a controlled substance, violation of probation, manufacture or delivery of cocaine, and violation of probation for possession of cocaine. After the investigation was completed, prosecutors added a first-degree murder charge to the litany of charges that Mansfield faces.

The Hillsborough County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled the victim’s death was caused by the combined effects of fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, and oxycodone. These facts were presented before a grand jury and Mansfield’s charges were updated to include first-degree murder.

Florida’s drug-induced homicide law 

As the United States battles an opioid crisis, legislators are taking the initiative to hold drug dealers accountable for the deaths of their customers. The presence of ultra-potent opioids like fentanyl has increased the risk of death to the general public. Fentanyl is being laced with other drugs without the knowledge of the customer, and customers are dying as a result of this drug.

One way that Florida has tried to address the issue is by increasing statutory penalties on drug dealers and for drug-related crimes. Some defendants can now face murder charges if they are found to be involved in a fatal drug overdose.

Under Florida law, the definition of murder includes deaths that result from the distribution of certain illegal substances. To convict a defendant of first-degree murder, prosecutors don’t have to prove intent. In other words, they don’t have to prove that a defendant intended to distribute fentanyl or even knew that there was fentanyl in the drugs at the time. They only need to prove that the origin of the drugs was the defendant and that a victim died as a result.

Traditionally, first-degree murder charges require proof of murderous intent. You can’t accidentally kill someone and be charged with first-degree murder. However, this new law flips the script on that traditional definition and holds drug dealers accountable for the deaths of their customers by forcing them to face murder charges.

Talk to a Tampa, FL Criminal Defense Drug Crimes Attorney 

Yes, drug dealers can face first-degree murder charges in Florida. If you’ve been charged with a drug crime, including trafficking, you will need the aid of a seasoned Tampa criminal defense lawyer. Call The Matassini Law Firm today to schedule an appointment, and we can begin preparing your defense immediately.

Source:

tampabeacon.com/hillsborough_county/crime_crashes_fires/murder-charge-added-in-drug-case/article_3d7be58e-040b-11ef-9bdb-4f32b12ecc02.html