NEZ PERCE COUNTY, Idaho – A man from Lewiston has pleaded guilty to manslaughter for the overdose death of a woman.
On Oct. 4, 2022, Eric Scott Taylor provided a fentanyl or “mexi” pill to Samantha Russell which resulted in her death which has been deemed to be caused by an overdose.
“Samantha Russell was a mother, daughter, and friend to many. When Mr. Taylor delivered this one small pill to Samantha, he also delivered her a death sentence,” said Prosecutor Justin Coleman.
The Lewiston Police Department and Nez Perce County Prosecutor’s Office investigated the death and charged Taylor with involuntary manslaughter for her death as well as for the delivery of a controlled substance.
A jury trial for the case was set to start the morning of Feb. 23, however, Taylor pleaded guilty to an involuntary manslaughter charge and a charge of possession of a controlled substance.
This is the first conviction of manslaughter for a fentanyl overdose death in the state.
“I want to express my gratitude to all the officers involved in this case, especially Detective Cpl. Cody Bloomsburg and Detective Cpl. Brett Dammon. Their dedication makes me believe that drug dealers will think twice before selling this poison in our community,” stated Prosecutor Coleman. “These pills are incredibly dangerous, and my office will continue to pursue charges against those who exploit others’ addictions. With the new fentanyl statute coming into effect, we will have an additional tool in this fight,” Coleman added.
