The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office arrested a Nokomis woman for Manslaughter after they say she provided Carfentanil, a synthetic opioid commonly sold in place of heroin, to a Sarasota man who died as a result of an overdose. The fatal overdose occurred last August 29th at an apartment in Sarasota. 25-year-old Melissa Winings fled on foot, leaving behind her vehicle and keys. A search of the car turned up heroin and Winings was arrested on September 9th for trafficking in the drug. On February 17th, the medical examiner’s office confirmed that the overdose victim had died as a result of intoxication by Carfentanil. Based on the report and evidence seized from Winings’ vehicle, detectives charged her with Manslaughter. She remains in custody at the Sarasota County Jail without bond.
