Alabama woman charged under new law with fentanyl manslaughter that caused man’s death

An Elkmont woman faces a manslaughter charge for allegedly distributing fentanyl that is believed to have led to the overdose death of a 54-year-old man on Saturday.

Rebecca Myrick, 60, was arrested and booked into the Limestone County Jail on Saturday. He faces penalties under a new state law, passed in April, which states that “a person commits the crime of involuntary manslaughter if he knowingly sells, provides, gives, delivers, or distributes a controlled substance containing fentanyl, any mixture containing fentanyl, any controlled synthetic substance fentanyl, or any controlled synthetic substance analogue of fentanyl” that causes the death of someone.

No bond has been set for Myrick.

She is accused of providing fentanyl to Lawrence Ward Light, who was found dead 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. .

Authorities said they believe Myrick gave Light the fentanyl.

Limestone County Sheriff Joshua McLaughlin said in a news release that the county is experiencing an increase in fentanyl overdoses, which “endangers not only those struggling with addiction but our entire community.”

“First responders now encounter this dangerous substance on a daily basis, putting their safety at risk as they work to save lives.” McLaughlin said in the statement. “We will relentlessly pursue and arrest wherever we can, especially in cases where lives are lost due to this devastating drug.”

According data provided by the state67 drug overdoses reported by Limestone County EMS workers in 2023.

The Sheriff’s Office says if anyone has information about people distributing fentanyl in Limestone County, to submit a tip by calling (256) 232-0111 or through the Sheriff’s Department website.