Columbus County man sentenced to prison in death by distribution case

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — A Columbus County man was sentenced to prison after pleading guilty to death by distribution of a controlled substance in connection with a fatal overdose in Brunswick County.

Dylan Mark Fowler pleaded guilty on Oct. 7, 2026, and was sentenced to a minimum of 64 months and a maximum of 89 months in prison, according to Brunswick County District Attorney Jon David.

The victim was found dead inside his Brunswick County home on March 21, 2024. An investigation by the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office and the North Carolina Medical Examiner’s Office determined the victim died from acute intoxication involving cocaine and fentanyl.

Cellphone records and video evidence showed Fowler sold the victim cocaine and fentanyl while working at Walmart in Whiteville shortly before the victim was found by family members, according to the district attorney’s office.