SPRINGFIELD (WKZO-AM) — Calhoun County Deputies have released the name of a man found dead alongside 5th Ave. in Springfield late Wednesday night, and issued a warrant charging another man with contributing to his death.
They believe that 43-year-old Michael Newman of Dowling overdosed at a home at 220 Eldred St. and his body was dumped in the business park.
Warrants have been issued charging 35-year-old Jerell finch with delivery of Heroin causing death, lying to police and being a habitual offender with three prior drug convictions.
He is scheduled for formal arraignment on Monday, and is being held in the County Jail on an interim $200,000 bond.
Ironically Newman’s body was found on the very day that a new law took effect giving immunity to those who report someone is overdosing on heroin.
The so-called “Good Samaritan” law was designed to save lives in situations like this. But police have not said when Newman overdosed and whether it would have applied in this case.