Alabama woman charged under new manslaughter law for fentanyl that led to man’s death

An Elkmont woman is facing a manslaughter charge for allegedly distributing fentanyl, which 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. 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 containing fentanyl, any mixture containing fentanyl, any synthetic controlled substance fentanyl, or a synthetic controlled substance fentanyl analogue,” causing someone to die.

No bond has been set for Myrick.

She is accused of supplying fentanyl to Lawrence Ward Light, who was found deceased Saturday around 7:55 p.m. after Limestone County deputies responded to a call in the 15000 block of Witty Mill Road in Elkmont about a possible overdose.

Law enforcement officials said they believe Myrick Light provided 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 come into contact with this hazardous substance every day, jeopardizing 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 as a result of this devastating drug.”

According to data provided by the state67 drug overdoses reported by paramedics in Limestone County in 2023.

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