Coffee County, Ala. (WDNews) — Two men are facing manslaughter charges after fentanyl-related overdose deaths, with a dangerous sedative, xylazine, also found in victims’ systems.
Authorities say Jashun Jones, 28, and Michael Stroncone, 37, are connected to two fatal overdoses in Coffee County.
Jones was charged following a September incident where Harrison Parker was found dead during a welfare check at a Coffee County home. Investigators uncovered text messages between Jones and Parker, linking Jones to the fentanyl provided the night before. Toxicology reports confirmed Parker had fentanyl and xylazine, also known as “tranq,” in his system. Jones was already serving time on unrelated drug charges when charged with manslaughter.
Stroncone was charged with manslaughter in connection to the October 4 death of Eric Hicks, 37, at the Coffee County Jail. Hicks, who had been incarcerated since June 2024, died after consuming fentanyl-laced pills. Investigators believe Stroncone smuggled the drugs into the jail and supplied them to Hicks. Toxicology reports also confirmed the presence of fentanyl and xylazine.
According to 12th Circuit District Attorney James Tarbox, there have been 15 overdose deaths in Coffee and Pike counties since August, many linked to fentanyl mixed with xylazine.
Both men are being held in the Coffee County Jail with no bond.
