Sumter man charged in fentanyl-related death of 62-year-old man, sheriff’s office says
1st charge of fentanyl-induced homicide since bill was signed in May
A Sumter man has been charged in connection to the death of a 62-year-old man, who authorities say ingested fentanyl provided by the suspect.
Thomas Justin Barwick, 35, of Sumter, was arrested on Dec. 3 during a search warrant executed by Sumter County Sheriff’s Office’s Narcotics Unit, according to Mark Bordeaux, public information officer with the sheriff’s office.
Upon further investigation, deputies discovered that William Karl Joseph Myers, 62, died as a result of taking drugs obtained from Barwick, Bordeaux said.
Barwick was charged with fentanyl-induced homicide, according to Bordeaux.
In May, Speaker of the House Murrell Smith was joined by Mayor David Merchant, Sumter County Council Chairman Jim McCain, Police Chief Russell Roark and Sheriff Anthony Dennis as he signed the fentanyl-induced homicide bill. The Fentanyl Bill (S. 156) makes it a felony to unlawfully provide fentanyl that results in someone's death, according to the legislation.
The South Carolina Department of Public Health reported 2,296 drug overdose deaths in 2022, a 6% increase from 2021. Fentanyl has been the primary driver for these overdose deaths, as it is often mixed with other illicit drugs, increasing the risk of a fatal overdose.
According to Sheriff Anthony Dennis, Sumter County Sheriff’s Office is the first agency to charge an individual since the bill was signed into law.
“We are grateful for our legislature giving us this tool to use in the war on drugs in Sumter County,” Dennis said. “We look forward to working with prosecutors as we seek justice.”
Barwick was also charged with several drug charges, two weapons charges, possession of a stolen vehicle and possession of other controlled substances, according to Bordeaux.
Barwick is awaiting a bond hearing.