HAMLET — A man suspected in a death by distribution case made his first appearance in court Thursday.
The Hamlet Police Department had issued a wanted poster for 23-year-old Byron McKenzie on April 8.
Investigators say the victim, whose name has not yet been released, died of a suspected meth overdose in late March. Police are still awaiting the toxicology report.
McKenzie was arrested Easter Sunday by deputies with the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office following a tip on his location, according to HPD.
Online court records show McKenize is also charged with one misdemeanor count each of carrying a concealed gun and resisting a public officer. He is scheduled to reappear in court on all charges May 12.
Online records show McKenize has no previous convictions in the state.
All defendants facing criminal charges are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
The death by distribution law, which was approved by Sen. Tom McInnis and former state Rep. Scott Brewer, was signed into law by Gov. Roy Cooper in July of 2019 and went into effect in December of that year.
The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office charged Regina Collins with death by distribution in January of 2020. State records show Collins was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in August of 2020 and served seven months in prison. Her parole ended Feb. 14 of this year.
