Georgia Woman Charged with Manslaughter After Alabama Fentanyl Overdose Death

Vanessa Taylor Whitmoyer, a 29-year-old Georgia woman, has been charged with manslaughter after allegedly supplying a fatal dose of fentanyl to Kimberly Ann Little in DeKalb County, Alabama. Little died as a proximate result of using the fentanyl, according to court documents and the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office. Whitmoyer faces additional charges including possession of controlled substances, possession of drug paraphernalia, tampering with evidence, and promoting prison contraband. Her arrest follows Alabama's 2024 law (HB10) which holds individuals criminally liable if they knowingly distribute fentanyl or its analogues leading to a death, except licensed healthcare professionals. Two other individuals, Leland James McDowell and Crystal Lynn Benson, were also arrested on drug-related charges at the same residence. Authorities emphasize the ongoing dangers posed by illegal narcotics and their commitment to holding those responsible accountable.