Norwich Man Charged In Willimantic OD Death

NORWICH/WILLIMANTIC, CT — A Norwich man was arrested today in connection with a 2019 drug overdose death of a woman in Willimantic.

The Willimantic Police Department announced Thursday that William Sonner, 49, of Norwich, was charged with second-degree manslaughter and was arrested in connection with that incident.

Police said Sonner was arrested in relation to the death of Khrista Bishop in 2019.

In February 2019 the WPD responded to an overdose death on North Street in Willimantic.

During the initial investigation, evidence of fentanyl use was located on scene, collected and later sent to the State of Connecticut forensic lab for examination.

This evidence was found to have Sonner’s DNA on it, police said.

Based on information at the time, a warrant was applied for and Sonner was arrested in 2020 for possession with intent to sell in regards to this case.

During the months of April-June 2022, the WPD developed new information and, working with the State’s Attorney’s Office in Danielson, applied for a new warrant for Sonner.

The warrant was signed by a Danielson Superior Court judge on Wednesday.

On Thursday, police said Sonner turned himself into the Willimantic Police Department, at which time he was processed and charged with the following offense:

Sonner was released on a court set $20,000 Non-Surety bond, pending a court date in Danielson later in the day.

"All arrestees are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law," police said in a release.