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Michael Eugene Newell, age 31, held on suspicion of felony murder in connection with overdose death

 

By Beth Alston

Publisher, Americus Times Recorder

AMERICUS — As a result of an investigation, authorities have charged a local man with felony murder after an investigation into a drug overdose death here.

Americus Police Chief Mark Scott issued a press release Friday morning with details. At around 5:17 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2018 officers of the Americus Police Department responded to a residence in the 700 block of Wheatley Street to a report of an unconscious person.

When they arrived, officers found the body of 27-year-old Tiffany Marie Matice dead of an apparent drug overdose.

Following an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the woman’s death, Michael Eugene Newell, 31, of 266 LaCross Road, Lot 19, in Americus was charged with felony murder “for felonious actions that led to the death” of Matice. Chief Scott said that Newell has been arrested in Cordele on unrelated charges and was then transferred to Sumter County Friday morning, and charged and jailed. Newell is originally from Vienna and is a graduate from Crisp County High School.

Newell is currently being housed in the Sumter County Jail. The investigation into this incident is ongoing and additional charges may be pending.

Police are asking for the public’s help. If anyone with additional information about this investigation is asked to call APD 229-924-3677 or after business hours at 229-937-9011.