Alabama’s new manslaughter law targeting fentanyl distribution aims to hold drug dealers accountable when their actions lead to overdose deaths. The legislation, House Bill 10, was introduced by State Rep. Chris Pringle (R-Mobile) and signed into law earlier this year. It stipulates that individuals who knowingly sell fentanyl-laced drugs and cause a person’s death can be charged with manslaughter, a Class B felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison.

This law is already being enforced in DeKalb County, where a landmark case has resulted in a manslaughter indictment. After an extensive investigation involving the DeKalb County Investigations Unit, Rainsville Police Department, the DeKalb County 9th Judicial District Attorney’s Office, and the East Metro Alabama Crime Center, Brandon Lee Croft, 31, of Crossville, was indicted for manslaughter in connection with the death of Zachary McClendon.

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McClendon was found unresponsive in his home in March 2023. Authorities determined that Croft had allegedly supplied McClendon with a lethal dose of heroin laced with fentanyl. Following the investigation, the case was presented to a grand jury, which returned a manslaughter indictment. Croft was arrested and later released on bond.

DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden expressed his support for the indictment, calling it an essential step in combating the spread of dangerous drugs in the community. “We are glad this indictment was handed down. This is an important step to holding those accountable that are giving this poison to our citizens, our family, and our friends,” Sheriff Welden said. He also thanked those involved in the investigation and emphasized the importance of justice for McClendon’s family, concluding with, “God Bless!”

This case marks the first overdose death in DeKalb County to result in a manslaughter indictment for the alleged supplier. It underscores the impact of Alabama’s new law, which many advocates and officials view as a critical measure to deter drug dealers and reduce the devastating toll of opioid and fentanyl-related deaths. According to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, more than 136 Americans die from opioid overdoses daily, a statistic that underscores the urgency of such legal measures.

Sherri Blevins is a writer for Mountain Valley News and a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may reach her at [email protected].