Man Charged with Murder in Connection with Overdose

NEWS RELEASE 17-185 - AUGUST 3, 2017
Michels, John

The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office arrested an Englewood man for Murder after detectives connected him with the death of a 41-year-old man caused by carfentanil, an opioid derivative 10,000 times more potent than morphine.

Deputies were first called to the residential area of Egerton Circle and Wexford Lane in Sarasota, on the morning of March 28, for reports of a man lying face down on the side of the road. Upon their arrival, deputies quickly confirmed the victim was deceased. Over the course of several months, detectives utilized surveillance video from a nearby gas station which captured the victim interacting with John Michels, DOB 08/05/78, only a few hours prior to his death. As the investigation continued, the Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed on August 1, that the victim died as a result of intoxication by carfentanil. Michels was interviewed and admitted that he provided the victim with the drug just prior to his death.

“This arrest is directly in line with our pragmatic four-pronged approach which begins with enforcement,” said Sheriff Tom Knight. “Dealers who prey on those battling substance abuse, will continue to be identified, targeted, and arrested, so that they know this criminal behavior is not tolerated in Sarasota County.”

Michels remains in custody today without bond.