SCSO: Man arrested for fentanyl-induced homicide

SUMTER COUNTY, S.C. (WOLO)– Deputies say an investigation by the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit resulted in the arrest of a Sumter man on multiple charges, including fentanyl induced homicide.

On December 3, the narcotics unit executed a search warrant leading to the arrest of Thomas Justin Barwick on multiple charges.

The sheriff’s office says after a continued investigation deputies discovered that William Karl Joseph Myers, 62, died as a direct result of ingesting drugs received from Barwick.

As a result of the investigation, Barwick was charged with fentanyl-induced homicide.

Earlier this year, the South Carolina Legislature passed section 16-3-80 to address deaths from fentanyl, which enables suspects believed to have supplied Fentanyl to someone who dies as a result, to be charged with fentanyl induced homicide.

Sumter County Sheriff Anthony Dennis says, “We are grateful for our Legislature giving us this tool to use in the war on drugs in Sumter County. 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.”

Barwick is awaiting a bond hearing on a charge of fentanyl-induced homicide.