Two people have been arrested on charges of distributing a fatal batch of fentanyl that led to a string of overdoses in southwest Washington, D.C., killing nine and hospitalizing another five.
The Metropolitan Police Department said investigators were able to secure charges against Sheldon Marbley, 43, and Shameka Hayes, 23, for several alleged narcotics distribution offenses on Tuesday, ending a monthslong investigation into what Police Chief Robert Contee called one of the worst overdose incidents he’s seen.
“The amount of fentanyl it takes to take a person’s life, you can barely see with a naked eye,” Contee said Wednesday. “That’s how serious of an issue fentanyl is in communities. It is poison that is being peddled in our communities.”
JUDGE BLOCKS DC FROM ALLOWING CHILDREN TO GET VACCINATED WITHOUT PARENTAL CONSENT
Police began an investigation after receiving several reports of overdoses in one weekend, leading officers to believe a fatal batch was being circulated in the area. Officials responded to five overdoses within an hour on Jan. 28 that resulted in three deaths, prompting several warnings from the MPD there was a “lethal batch out.”
As the week went on, authorities linked 14 medical emergencies to the same drug batch with a total of nine deaths. Although most incidents occurred in the southwest district, police connected at least two of the deaths in other parts of the city after autopsies were conducted.
The nine people who died ranged from 43 to 74 years old, five of whom were women.
Surviving victims reportedly identified Marbley and Hayes after being shown pictures from police, noting they had previously purchased drugs from the pair. However, they said the drugs were packaged differently this time around and were in capsules, according to court filings.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
Marbley and Hayes appeared in court separately on Wednesday, where they were ordered detained. Hearings for their detention are set for Monday.
The two face charges of conspiracy to distribute with intent to distribute cocaine and para-fluorofentanyl, unlawful distribution of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine and para-fluorofentanyl resulting in substantial bodily injury, and aiding and abetting.
Police said the situation is still under investigation and that more charges will be filed.
