A Brick Township man is accused of supplying cocaine that prosecutors say caused the overdose death of a 27-year-old woman earlier this year.
An Ocean County man has been charged with strict liability drug-induced death after an investigation into the fatal overdose of a 27-year-old woman in Brick Township, according to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer.
Roderick Seward, 31, of Brick Township, was charged June 17 with strict liability drug-induced death, distribution of cocaine, and possession of cocaine in connection with the woman’s death on Jan. 26.
Woman Found Dead Inside Brick Township Home
Brick Township police officers were dispatched to a residence at approximately 9:10 a.m. on Jan. 26 after receiving a report of an unresponsive woman.
According to prosecutors, officers arrived and found the victim deceased from what appeared to be a drug overdose.
The investigation was conducted by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, the Brick Township Police Department, and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit.
Investigation Linked Cocaine to Victim’s Death
Authorities allege the investigation determined that Seward supplied cocaine to the victim before her death.
Prosecutors said toxicology results later confirmed the presence of cocaine in the victim’s system.
According to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, the Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office determined that cocaine was the cause of the woman’s death based on the toxicology findings.
As a result of the investigation and medical examiner’s determination, Seward was charged Wednesday.
Suspect Surrenders to Police
Authorities said Seward surrendered himself at Brick Township Police Headquarters on June 17 after charges were filed.
He was subsequently transported to the Ocean County Jail, where he remains held pending a detention hearing.
The charges are allegations, and Seward is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Key Points
• Roderick Seward, 31, of Brick Township, is charged with strict liability drug-induced death in connection with a fatal overdose.
• Prosecutors allege Seward supplied cocaine to a 27-year-old woman who was found dead on Jan. 26.
• Toxicology results and the Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office determined cocaine was the cause of the woman’s death.