A Camden man is accused of supplying the fentanyl that caused a Magnolia resident’s fatal overdose after detectives uncovered text messages and a voicemail linking him to the victim.
A year-long investigation into a fatal overdose in Magnolia has led to the arrest of a Camden man charged with causing the death of a 41-year-old victim through the distribution of fentanyl, authorities announced.
Camden County Prosecutor Grace C. MacAulay and Magnolia Police Chief John Huston said Erik D. McKnight, 46, was charged June 9 with first-degree strict liability for a drug-induced death and third-degree possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance.
Victim found dead inside Jackson Avenue home
The investigation began on Oct. 7, 2025, when Magnolia police responded to a residence on the 400 block of Jackson Avenue for a report of an unconscious man who was not breathing.
Officers arrived at approximately 7:20 a.m. and found the 41-year-old victim lying in bed.
“Life-saving measures were attempted, but were unsuccessful,” authorities said. “Ultimately, the victim was pronounced deceased at the scene.”
Detectives recovered six wax paper folds and a vial containing suspected fentanyl from the victim’s bedroom. Toxicology testing later confirmed the victim died from a fentanyl overdose.
Text messages linked suspect to victim
During the eight-month investigation, detectives examined the victim’s cellphone and uncovered communications that investigators say connected McKnight to the fatal overdose.
According to prosecutors, the phone contained text messages exchanged between the victim and McKnight regarding a drug transaction that occurred on Oct. 6, 2025, the day before the victim was found dead.
Investigators also discovered a voicemail allegedly left by McKnight on Oct. 8, after the victim had already died.
“The phone also contained a voicemail from McKnight on October 8, 2025, asking if the victim was good and if he needed anything from him,” prosecutors said.
U.S. Marshals arrested suspect
McKnight was taken into custody on June 10 in Willingboro by members of the U.S. Marshals Service New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force-Camden Division.
He was remanded to the Camden County Correctional Facility pending a detention hearing in Superior Court.
The case was investigated by Detective Timothy Jordan of the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit and Detective Christopher Galloway of the Magnolia Police Department.
Prosecutor praises investigation
Prosecutor MacAulay credited investigators with building the case through months of detailed investigative work.
“We commend these detectives for their outstanding investigative work in uncovering the facts surrounding this drug-induced death,” MacAulay said.
“Their dedication and persistence throughout the investigation were instrumental in identifying the individual responsible and bringing a measure of justice for the victim’s loved ones.”
As with all criminal defendants, McKnight is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Key Points
• Camden resident Erik D. McKnight, 46, is charged with causing a fatal fentanyl overdose that killed a 41-year-old Magnolia man.
• Detectives found text messages discussing a drug transaction and a voicemail allegedly left by McKnight after the victim’s death.
• McKnight was arrested by the U.S. Marshals Service in Willingboro and is being held in the Camden County Correctional Facility.
