SARASOTA, FL (WWSB) – A 38-year-old man was arrested for murder after detectives linked him to an overdose.
On March 28, deputies arrived to the area of Egerton Circle and Wexford Lane on calls on a man lying face down on the side of the road. It was quickly determined the 41-year-old victim was deceased.
Detectives worked for several months looking at surveillance video from a nearby gas station. They determined the victim had talked with John Michels, of Englewood, just a few moments before his death.
On Aug. 1, the Medical Examiner’s Office discovered the victim died because of intoxication by carfentanil, an opioid derivative 10,000 times more potent than morphine. Michel’s admitted he provided the victim with the drug before his death.
Michels remains in custody today without bond.
“Dealers who prey on those battling substance abuse, will continue to be identified, targeted, and arrested, so that they know this criminal behavior is not tolerated in Sarasota County,” said Sheriff Tom Knight.
