Ozark, AL — A 58-year-old man is now facing a manslaughter charge in connection with a fatal fentanyl overdose that occurred last month in Dale County, authorities confirmed Monday.
Drug Bust Linked to Overdose Investigation
On July 23, David Todd Tyler was among four people arrested during a drug bust at two homes in the 2100 block of Will Logan Road in Ozark. The operation, carried out by the Ozark Police Department and the Dale County Sheriff’s Office, was launched after a separate overdose death earlier that day at another residence in the city.
Investigators allege that Tyler provided fentanyl — a highly potent synthetic opioid — to the victim, which led to their death.
Autopsy Confirms Fentanyl Overdose
Following the arrests, Tyler was initially charged with:
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
- Second-degree possession of marijuana
- Possession of a controlled substance
He was booked into the Dale County Jail with no bond.
On Monday, investigators received the autopsy results, confirming that the victim’s cause of death was fentanyl overdose. This led to the manslaughter charge being added against Tyler.
Officials: Case Sends “Clear and Uncompromising Message”
The Ozark Department of Public Safety released a statement emphasizing the broader significance of the case:
“By pursuing charges of manslaughter against those responsible for providing fentanyl that results in death, we are sending a clear and uncompromising message: the deliberate distribution of dangerous, life-threatening narcotics will be met with firm legal consequences.”
Officials stressed that the ripple effects of illegal drug distribution “extend beyond individual use by endangering entire communities.”
Additional Arrests in the Operation
Three other individuals were arrested during the July 23 drug bust:
- Charles Taylor Burks, 42 — Possession of drug paraphernalia
- Debbie Gail Thomley, 50 — Possession of a controlled substance
- Jennifer Drexler, 45 — Possession of marijuana (2nd degree) and possession of a controlled substance
Do you think harsher legal penalties should apply to those who distribute drugs leading to overdose deaths? Share your opinion in the comments at the BethelAdvocate.
