Authorities have arrested Anthony Quinn Marshall, 35, of Wilmington, North Carolina, in connection with the fatal fentanyl overdose of Jessica Kelly in Pender County. Marshall faces serious charges, including “Death by Distribution,” after an extensive investigation linked him to the drugs that led to Kelly’s death.
Incident Details
On July 13, 2023, deputies from the Pender County Sheriff’s Office, along with Pender EMS, responded to a distress call on Blueberry Road in Currie, North Carolina. When they arrived, they found Jessica Kelly unresponsive. Despite emergency efforts, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
A subsequent toxicology report confirmed fentanyl as the cause of death. Authorities launched an in-depth investigation to trace the origin of the lethal drug, ultimately identifying Anthony Quinn Marshall as the alleged supplier.
Arrest and Charges
After nearly two years of investigation, Marshall was arrested on February 24, 2025, and charged with “Death by Distribution.” He was booked into the Pender County Jail, with bail set at $250,000. On February 25, 2025, he posted bail and was released pending further legal proceedings.
This case highlights the ongoing opioid crisis and the legal consequences for those distributing deadly substances like fentanyl. Authorities continue to emphasize the importance of holding drug suppliers accountable for overdose-related deaths.
