Dylan Fowler will serve 64 to 89 months in prison for providing the drugs that killed a Brunswick County man in 2024.
Fowler, 34, pled guilty to death by distribution of a controlled substance in Brunswick County Superior Court Oct. 7, according to a press release from District Attorney Jon David. Court records show he was originally charged with second degree murder; sale and delivery of fentanyl and cocaine; possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver fentanyl and cocaine; and sale and delivery of Schedule II controlled substances. Those charges were dropped in exchange for a plea to a single charge of death by distribution. Fowler will receive 686 days credit for time served.
Testimony showed that Fowler sold cocaine and fentanyl to Austin McLean of Brunswick County in March 2024. His family found him dead in his home. An autopsy by the State Medical Examiner showed that McLean died of “acute intoxication from cocaine and fentanyl.”
Video and cell phone records introduced as evidence showed McLean bought the drugs from Fowler while Fowler was working at the Walmart in Whiteville.
Senior Resident Superior Court Judge Jason Disbrow of Brunswick County presided over the hearing. Assistant District Attorneys Chris Thomas and Madison Parker represented the state.
