Lenoir woman charged with murder in fentanyl overdose death

LENOIR, N.C. — Lenoir police said they have arrested a woman who delivered the drugs that led to an overdose death in May.

Police said they have charged Erica Sierra Haas with one count of felony second-degree murder by distribution of an unlawful substance.

Officials said Hanna Marie Kincaid overdosed and was found dead on Montclair Circle on May 1. Police said Kincaid had ingested a fatal amount of fentanyl.

After an investigation, police said they determined Haas, 23, had delivered the drugs to Kincaid.

Police obtained a warrant for Haas’ arrest on July 6. She was taken to jail and given a $500,000 bond.

Haas made her first court appearance on Monday and appeared confused while answering questions from the judge.

Investigators tell Channel 9 that the number of overdoses has risen quickly in Lenoir and across the foothills during the last several years.

Breaking Lenoir- woman accused in overdose death just appeared before a judge. What she told the judge tonight on eyewitness news. pic.twitter.com/hwghzURbnq
— Dave Faherty (@FahertyWSOC9) July 9, 2018

This was the first time in Caldwell County someone has been charged in connection with a deadly overdose.

A judge said she could face as much as 40 years in prison.

Haas' mother, who is now caring for her granddaughter, is in disbelief that her daughter has been charged with murder.

"I want my baby back,” Debra Haas said. “I don't know. She wants us to get her out. There's no way right now."

Neighbors near where Kincaid died believe police acted appropriately by pursuing the felony charge. Last year, officers worked dozens of cases in the area including three deaths.

"It is very sad, and I think it is kind of, in a way, awesome that they're doing this now. That way the family can have peace and closure," neighbor Kristen Jenkins said.

Police said this is still an ongoing investigation and more charges could be coming.

Anyone with information regarding this crime is asked to contact the Lenoir Police Department at (828) 757-2100 or the Lenoir Caldwell County CrimeStoppers at (828) 758-8300.

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