Newberry woman charged with murder resulting from fentanyl distribution

Staff report

NEWBERRY, Fla. – Amanda Ruth Copley, 47, of Newberry, has been indicted for murder resulting from the distribution of fentanyl after allegedly selling drugs to a man who died a short time later.

Copley was arrested on August 8 and charged with two counts of selling opium derivatives within 1000 feet of a school, maintaining a drug dwelling, using a two-way communications device to facilitate a felony, fraud, and money laundering after allegedly selling pills to a man who died of a fentanyl overdose a short time later.

On March 31, Copley allegedly sold counterfeit Oxycodone Hydrochloride pills to a man who overdosed and died after consuming the pills. The man reportedly bought 10 pills for $350 and later contacted Copley with concerns about the legitimacy of the pills because they were green and “busted up,” and Copley allegedly reassured him that they were genuine. The man replied, “I trust you, I’m just checking” and thanked her. He was found dead hours later at his home. Green pills and a green powdery substance were reportedly found at the scene; the powder reportedly tested positive for fentanyl.

Post Miranda, Copley reportedly admitted selling pills to the man.

Copley has two felony convictions (none violent) and one misdemeanor conviction (none violent). She was on probation for fraud and grand theft prior to the arrest.

A grand jury issued the indictment for murder on October 9. She is being held without bond.

Articles about arrests are based on reports from law enforcement agencies. The charges listed are taken from the arrest report and/or court records and are only accusations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.