2 charged with murder in drug overdose death

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Two men are facing upgraded charges of second degree murder tonight after a woman they were responsible for supplying died of a heroin overdose.

Jonathan Foster and Daniel Masciotti were already facing charges for sale and delivery of heroin, possession with intent to sell, and conspiracy to sell and deliver before the addition of second degree murder charges today. This is all after Alexandra Hammitt died of a drug overdose.

“Anyone who thinks that drugs are a victim-less crime has not met the Hammitt family and so many others that we meet day in and day out with our jobs,” said District Attorney Ben David.

David said the men were initially given $1.5 million dollar bonds, but that has been uped by $750,000 each for a total of $2.2 million per defendant.

David said not every drug overdose can lead to a second degree murder charge. He said his team looks for active involvement in terms of distribution of the drug.

“Many times it comes down to an issue of proof also. You’re talking about cases where sometimes you’re going to have either electronic evidence of the testimony of credible witnesses,” David said.