DOTHAN, Ala. (WDNews) — A Dothan man has been charged with manslaughter in connection with a September 20 death investigators say was caused by fentanyl.
Just before 3 a.m. that morning, Dothan police responded to the intersection of West Powell Street and North Herring Street after a caller reported a silver passenger car had been sitting idle for more than 30 minutes. Officers found 41-year-old Joel William Nicholson of Dothan unresponsive in the driver’s seat. Despite life-saving efforts, including the administration of Narcan, Nicholson was pronounced dead at the scene.
On October 1, police said preliminary autopsy results determined Nicholson’s death was the result of fentanyl. Investigators later identified and arrested the suspected supplier, 39-year-old Vikthor Shean Roman. That same day, narcotics and criminal investigators executed a search warrant at Roman’s residence on Pine Hills Drive, where they found pills and drug paraphernalia.
According to police, Roman admitted to supplying Nicholson with fentanyl. He was charged with Manslaughter-Fentanyl and booked into the Houston County Jail, where he is being held without bond. Additional charges are possible.
Police said they remain committed to combating the spread of fentanyl and other dangerous substances in the community. “Those who are possessing and/or distributing this dangerous substance in our community will be found, will be arrested, and will be prosecuted to the fullest allowed by law,” Chief William E. Benny stated.
Photo courtesy of Dothan Police Department
