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Brick men charged after woman dies from cocaine overdose

by
January 27, 2026
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Cocaine charges filed after Brick woman found dead from overdose

Brick Township, NJ — Two men have been charged in connection with a suspected fatal drug overdose that left a 27-year-old woman dead in Brick Township on Friday, with investigators alleging they supplied the cocaine involved in the incident.

Roderick Seward, 30, and Santino Giunta, 29, both of Brick, face narcotics-related charges following a multi-agency investigation into the woman’s death. Police responded to a 911 call on January 26 and found the victim unresponsive and already deceased at the scene.

A coordinated probe by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Narcotics Strike Force, Brick Township Police, and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office determined that Seward and Giunta had distributed cocaine to the victim prior to her death.

That same day, officers conducted surveillance and initiated separate traffic stops. Seward was taken into custody without incident and is now being held at the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing. A search of his home turned up cocaine, other unidentified white substances, a digital scale, and packaging materials typically used in drug distribution.

Giunta was also arrested without incident and charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine. He was released on a complaint-summons and is scheduled to appear in Ocean County Superior Court at a later date.

Officials say the investigation remains ongoing and that more charges may follow.

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Key Points

  • A 27-year-old woman died from an apparent overdose in Brick Township on Friday
  • Roderick Seward and Santino Giunta charged with distributing cocaine to the victim
  • Authorities seized drugs and paraphernalia during a search of Seward’s residence
Chris Quigley

Chris Quigley

Chris Quigley is a Staff Writer and Community News Correspondent for Shore News Network, where she covers local government, public safety, community affairs, politics, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey. Her reporting focuses on delivering timely, accurate, and relevant news that helps readers stay informed about the communities in which they live and work.

As a member of the Shore News Network editorial team, Quigley works closely with public officials, community leaders, first responders, and local organizations to provide factual coverage of breaking news, municipal government, public policy, and events affecting New Jersey residents. Her work highlights both major developments and the local stories that shape communities across the state.

Quigley is committed to responsible journalism, emphasizing accuracy, source verification, and transparency in every story she reports. She strives to present information in a clear and accessible manner, helping readers better understand the issues, decisions, and events that impact their daily lives.

Through her work at Shore News Network, Chris Quigley contributes to the organization's mission of providing trusted local news coverage, accountability reporting, and community-focused journalism throughout New Jersey.

Chris Quigley is a graduate of Stockton State University and began her career at IN Jersey, the online news and media branch of the Asbury Park Press. She also worked at Monmouth Internet, the Ocean Signal Newspaper, and JTOWN Magazine during her career in both content management and operations.

Degrees: Business B.A. - Stockton University

Experience and interests: Criminal Justice, Business, Animal Care, Entertainment, Lottery News, Local News