GASTONIA, N.C. (AP) — A 16-year-old girl, Abigail Saunderson, tragically passed away due to fentanyl poisoning, leaving her loved ones in shock. However, recent developments in North Carolina law have brought some solace to her family and friends. They discovered that the individuals responsible for her death have been sentenced to prison.
According to her mother, Tracy Saunderson-Ross, Abigail was a shining light and the source of joy for everyone who knew her. The unexpected loss of her daughter has left her family heartbroken, and they have been fighting for over a year to seek justice.
After a lengthy battle, a drug dealer named Deontae Miller was sentenced for his involvement in Abigail’s death. His guilty plea to death by distribution resulted in a minimum of three years in prison. Additionally, Abigail’s boyfriend, Nicholas Ivey, has also been sentenced to prison for providing her with the painkiller that he obtained from Miller.
Recent amendments to North Carolina law now enable prosecution for second-degree murder if an individual provides certain drugs that lead to a drug death, regardless of whether they received money for it or distributed it freely.
Looking to keep her daughter’s memory alive, Saunderson-Ross has established a foundation called Abi’s Angels Fighting Fentanyl. This foundation aims to support victims’ families, educate teenagers about illegal drugs, and ensure that schools have access to the overdose-countering drug Narcan for students who may be at risk.
Gaston County District Attorney Travis Page has been diligently working to treat every overdose as a homicide, in collaboration with local law enforcement. This effort, along with changes to the law, is expected to lead to increased prosecution and a deterrent effect on those involved in distributing fentanyl-laced products.
In light of these developments, Saunderson-Ross is advocating for stronger measures to hold individuals accountable for the distribution of illicit drugs. It’s clear that the impact of Abigail’s passing has spurred her family to take action, creating a legacy that aims to prevent similar tragedies in the future.