Michael K. Williams Overdose Investigation: 4 Arrested
Michael K. Williams Overdose Investigation: 4 Arrested in connection
4 men have been arrested in connection to death of actor Michael K. Williams, who died of fentanyl-laced heroin overdose in September 2021.
Four men arrested in connection to the death of actor and producer Michael K. Williams.
On Wednesday, Feb. 2, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York made the announcement. Sharing the men were arrested for allegedly selling Williams the fentanyl-laced heroine. This led to his overdose in September.
Known for his work on The Wire and Lovecraft Country, Williams died of acute intoxication from the “combined effects of fentanyl, p-fluorofentanyl, heroin and cocaine” in September, the New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner confirmed to E! News. He was 54.
Damian Williams, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York & the Commissioner of the New York City Police Department, announced a Feb.2 press release that one man has been charged. Distributing fentanyl-laced heroin that “resulted” in Williams’ death. Three other men listed as “co-conspirators,” were charged as “members of the fentanyl and heroin conspiracy” in a separate complaint unsealed on Wednesday, Feb. 2, as per the release.
The Department of Justice said a drug trafficking organization sold heroin laced with fentanyl and “a fentanyl analogue” in front and inside of an apartment building in the Williamsburg area of Brooklyn, New York.
Shared were surveillance video screenshots. Sadly & shockingly Showing members of the drug crew selling the Boardwalk Empire actor heroin. Which was laced with fentanyl around Sept. 5, 2021. This ultimately led to his death.
The U.S. Attorney said in a press statement, “This is a public health crisis. And it has to stop. Deadly opioids like fentanyl and heroin don’t care about who you are or what you’ve accomplished. They just feed addiction and lead to tragedy.”
He added, “The Southern District of New York and our law enforcement partners will not give up. We will bring every tool to bear. And we will continue to hold accountable the dealers who push this poison, exploit addiction, and cause senseless death.”
Prior to his death, Williams was open about his struggles with addiction, which began when he was a teenager.
In a 2017 interview, he shared that most of the money that he had earned from his time on The Wire was spent on drugs.
“Addiction doesn’t go away,” the actor said at the time. “It’s an everyday struggle for me, but I’m fighting.”
Such a talented actor, what seemed like a down to earth dude be open about his struggles succumbing to the addictions he professed to battle daily. Reminding us all again, to be kind and to check on your “strong friends.”
Thankfully, The defendants are currently in custody.
Hopefully this investigation brings some clarity for the family grieving.