Suspect In Natick Overdose Death Was Arrested In Dedham Drug Bust

NATICK, MA — A Natick man arrested over the weekend after a woman died of an overdose at his Morse Street home is also facing charges in connection to an October 2018 Dedham drug bust. Rafael Ashworth, 25, is facing multiple drug charges after the weekend death.

The latest opioid death comes as Natick is seeing a surge in overdoses — including two fatalities in recent weeks. There had been 38 overdoses in Natick as of mid-October, including at least three fatalities — there were 33 in all of 2018.

Natick police went to Ashworth's home on Saturday afternoon after another person reported someone was having an overdose there. They found a 24-year-old woman there dead, and discovered over 100 grams of fentanyl, according to the MetroWest Daily News.

On Oct. 9 last year, Dedham police raised a home at 156 Bussey St. after a long investigation. They arrested Ashworth — who was 23 at the time — and two other men after finding heroin, Xanax, and cocaine. Ashworth was arrested on charges of drug possession and drug distribution.

Ashworth was indicted by a grand jury on Jan. 11, 2019, but was released on bail. His next court date is Nov. 21 for a pre-trial hearing, according to the Norfolk County District Attorney.

In early November, Natick 180, the town's substance abuse organization, issued new guidance to prevent more overdoses. The information specifically warned locals to assume that all street drugs contain fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid. Natick 180 also reminded that the Natick Health Department gives out doses of naloxone, which can prevent an overdose.