Bradenton woman charged with murder in overdose death

BRADENTON, Fla. (WWSB) – Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Detectives have charged a Bradenton woman with murder for her involvement in the overdose death of a 35-year-old Ellenton man.

Brianne Zaffina, 33, who was already in the Manatee County Jail on unrelated charges, was served a murder warrant on Nov. 13 after months of investigation. Detectives determined that in January 2024, Zaffina violated Florida State Statute 782.04 (1)(a)3 as it pertains to homicide by unlawfully distributing certain controlled substances (fentanyl), resulting in the death of the victim.

On January 8, 2024, approximately 6:45 p.m., emergency personnel responded to an unknown situation in the 1000 block of Royal Palm Drive, Ellenton, and upon arrival, paramedics began providing medical assistance to a male victim.

He was pronounced dead about 20 minutes later from an apparent overdose.

After an autopsy, the medical examiner’s office listed intoxication with carfentanil, fentanyl and alprazolam as the cause of death.

The investigating judge further stated that the fentanyl and carfentanil individually would have been sufficient to cause his death.

Detectives collected evidence from the victim’s home and learned through interviews that Brianne Zaffina had been at the victim’s home the night before. Extensive investigation, including phone calls, text messages and DNA testing, revealed that Zaffina sold lethal narcotics to the victim.

The investigation is ongoing.