Manslaughter and drug trafficking charges have been laid in the 2024 death of a 35-year-old Sarnia woman.
Brandi Nicole (Walsh) McConnell was pronounced dead at her home on Somerset Crescent on May 2, 2024, after emergency responders were called about an unresponsive woman.
Sarnia police said suspected fentanyl was seized at the scene, and the cause of death was later determined to be intoxication with fluorofentanyl.
As part of the investigation, police looked through McConnell's phone records and allegedly found communications consistent with the purchase of fentanyl in the hours before her death.
Police said the person who supplied the drugs that allegedly caused her death was identified.
An arrest warrant was issued for 30-year-old Mackenzie Kozlof of Sarnia.
Investigators said the accused was seen getting out of a cab near Davis and Victoria Streets on February 16 but took off when he saw police.
Police dog, Shadow, was called to the scene and Kozlof was found hiding behind a building.
He was arrested and charged with manslaughter and trafficking in a schedule I substance (fentanyl).
Sarnia police said in Canada, a person can be charged with manslaughter if they commit an unlawful act that is dangerous and results in another person’s death, which includes supplying a drug that directly contributed to or caused a fatal overdose.
Charges against the accused have not been proven in court.
McConnell was described in her obituary as a beloved wife and cherished mother to three children. She was also known as an avid photographer who enjoyed long walks and loved animals.
"This investigation highlights the serious and often irreversible consequences associated with trafficking and consuming illegal drugs," said the Sarnia Police Service in a media release.
City police are also reminding residents of the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act, those who call 911 for an overdose are protected from simple possession charges.
