Leominster man indicted in fatal fitchburg overdose case — Ambulance - File Photo

WORCESTER, MASS. — A Leominster man has been indicted on involuntary manslaughter and drug distribution charges in connection with a fatal overdose that occurred in Fitchburg last June, Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early, Jr. announced.

Eric Stone, 39, was indicted last week by a Worcester County Grand Jury on charges of involuntary manslaughter, distribution of a Class A substance (fentanyl), and distribution of cocaine.

Stone was arrested by State Police Detectives assigned to the District Attorney’s Office on Jan. 24 and arraigned in Fitchburg District Court. The judge set his bail at $25,000, and he has remained in custody since.

Authorities said the charges stem from the June 20, 2024, death of a 44-year-old man at a residence in Fitchburg. According to investigators, Stone allegedly supplied the victim with fentanyl and cocaine in the early morning hours before the man was found dead later that day.

State Police Detectives determined that the substances provided by Stone directly preceded the victim’s death. The death was classified as unattended at the time of the response.

The indictment advances the case to Worcester Superior Court, where Stone is scheduled to be arraigned Monday.

The case follows a series of investigations in Worcester County targeting fatal overdoses linked to fentanyl.

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