Clay County deputies arrest 3 men after 18-year-old overdosed on fentanyl

For the first time in Clay County history, a drug dealer is facing a murder charge after an 18-year-old overdosed on fentanyl he sold her, deputies said.

Deputies announced Tuesday that three men were arrested in 18-year-old Ariell Brundige's death.

Photos: 3 arrested after 18-year-old overdosed on fentanyl

Clay County Sheriff's Office began investigating after Brundige overdosed in November 2016.

An autopsy revealed Brundige had well over the lethal dose of fentanyl in her system. Fentanyl can be up to 50 times more potent than heroin.

Investigation led deputies to 32-year-old Trumaine "Lucky" Muller. They searched his home on Feb. 8 and arrested him for multiple drug offenses and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

In May, a grand jury indicted Muller for first degree murder in Brundige's death.

Deputies said Muller's arrest in the teen's fatal overdose is the first time distributing narcotics led to a state homicide charge in Clay County.

He's charged with murder resulting from distribution of a controlled substance.

"I'm changing his street name from Lucky to Unlucky," Sheriff Daryl Daniels said at a Tuesday press conference. "For a person who would sell heroin, or bring fentanyl, or think that is OK to bring these products into Clay County. I have more disdain for you than I do a regular criminal."

Deputies also arrested Tyler Hamilton, 26, and Christopher Williams, 32, for manslaughter. They were with Brundige when she bought the fentanyl, deputies said.

Hamilton was dating Brundige. He called 911 when she stopped breathing after taking the drug, according to CCSO.

Daniels said he has a message for anyone who brings fentanyl or other dangerous drugs to Clay County: "Get the hell out of Clay County."

CCSO said 49 people died of drug overdose in Clay County in 2016. Fentanyl was to blame in 28 cases.

There have been 16 drug overdose deaths so far in 2017 and fentanyl was found in eight of the cases.

Cox Media Group