LEWISTON, ID – A 53-year-old Lewiston man who was indicted by a grand jury in April of 2023 in connection with the fentanyl toxicity death of a 28-year-old woman has pleaded guilty to Involuntary Manslaughter and Possession of a Controlled Substance – Fentanyl. Samantha Russell died on October 4, 2022 as a result of a single fentanyl or “mexi” pill that Eric Scott Taylor provided, officials say.
“A Jury Trial for the case was set to start the morning of February 23rd, however prior to jury selection Mr. Taylor [pled] guilty,” a press release from the Nez Perce County Prosecutor’s Office says. “The parties will be arguing sentencing to Judge Monson on July 12, 2024, where the State will be arguing for a lengthy prison sentence.”
This is the first conviction of manslaughter for a fentanyl overdose death in the State of Idaho.
“Samantha Russell was mother and daughter as well as friend to many people. When Mr. Taylor delivered this one small pill to Samantha, he also delivered her a death sentence,” Prosecutor Justin Coleman says.
“The significant efforts by the Lewiston Police Department ensured that this case could be pursued and justice could be sought for Samantha Russell, her family and the community,” the press release adds.
“I want to thank all the officers involved in working on this case and especially Detective Cpl. Cody Bloomsburg and Detective Cpl. Brett Dammon. Because of their hard work I believe drug dealers think twice before selling this poison in our community,” Coleman says. “These pills are incredibly dangerous and my office will continue to pursue charges against those individuals who prey on other’s addictions. When the new fentanyl statute goes into effect we will have an additional resource in this war.”
