Case Explained:This article breaks down the legal background, charges, and implications of Case Explained: Man charged with first fentanyl-induced murder under new state law – Legal Perspective
SUMTER COUNTY, S.C. (WACH) — A Sumter man has been charged with the first fentanyl-induced murder in Sumter County under a new state law, officials said.
Sumter County Sheriff’s Office announced that Thomas J. Barwick, 35, was arrested Dec. 3, following an investigation by the sheriff’s office Narcotics Unit.
Thomas J. Barwick (Credit: Sumter County Sheriff’s Office)
Deputies performed a search warrant on Dec. 3 that led to Barwick’s arrest, and the following charges:
- Manufacture, distribution, or possession of cocaine base, third or subsequent offense.
- Trafficking fentanyl, four grams or more but less than 14 grams, second or subsequent offense.
- Manufacturing, distributing, or possessing narcotic drugs in Schedule I(b) and (c), LSD, and Schedule II, third or subsequent offense.
- Possession of a weapon during a violent crime; unlawful sale or delivery of a pistol and possession of a stolen pistol.
- Possession, concealment, sale, or disposal of a stolen vehicle valued at $2,000 or less.
- Possession of other controlled substances in Schedules I to V, second or subsequent offense.
Deputies said that William Karl Joseph Myers, 62, died as a direct result of taking drugs from Barwick. As a result, Barwick was charged with fentanyl-induced homicide.
The Item of the signing of the Fentanyl-Induced Homicide bill (Credit: Sumter County Sheriff’s Office)
Sumter County Sheriff Anthony Dennis said the charge marks the first time the law has been used by an agency in the county.
We are grateful for our Legislature giving us this tool to use in the war on drugs in Sumter County,” Dennis said. “To my knowledge, I believe we are the first agency to make such a charge under this new law. We look forward to working with prosecutors as we seek justice.
The South Carolina Legislature passed Section 16-3-80 earlier this year. Suspects believed to have supplied fentanyl to a person who died as a result of ingesting the drug are to be charged with fentanyl-induced homicide, authorities said.
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Barwick is awaiting a bond hearing on the fentanyl-induced homicide charge.