A Bear man has been convicted in Delaware's first successful use of a homicide charge against a fentanyl dealer for causing a fatal overdose.
On January 23, James Watson, 41, pleaded guilty to charges of manslaughter and drug dealing in New Castle County Superior Court. As part of the plea colloquy, Watson admitted that his actions recklessly caused the victim's death. The plea follows an investigation into a drug deal that led to a fatal overdose in March 2024.
"This is a hugely important win for Delaware and for every family who has lost a loved one to fentanyl and other deadly illicit drugs," said Attorney General Kathy Jennings. "Fentanyl is one of the deadliest drugs in our community, and it continues to be the primary cause of fatal overdoses in our state. This case has set a vitally important precedent in the fight to get this poison off the street and hold accountable those who spread it."
A drug overdose investigation revealed that Watson sold fentanyl to the victim who subsequently overdosed and died. Watson has been the subject of numerous narcotics investigations throughout New Castle County and has four prior felony drug dealing offenses. Sentencing has not yet been scheduled.