Man Admits Role In Overdose Death Of Berkeley Resident: Prosecutor

BERKELEY, NJ — A Trenton man has admitted his role in the overdose death of a 55-year-old Berkeley resident, the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office said.

Ryan Thompson, 35, pleaded guilty to manslaughter on March 4, Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced Wednesday.

On Sept. 29, 2023, Berkeley police responded to a Torrey Pines Drive home for a report of an unresponsive man, Billhimer said.

But when they arrived, the man was already dead, apparently of a drug overdose, Billhimer said.

Investigation found that Thompson and his co-defendants, Michael Wormann, 38, of Toms River, and Tina Martinez, 61, of Trenton, gave fentanyl to the Berkeley man the day prior to his death, Billhimer said.

On Sept. 30, Wormann was charged with distribution of fentanyl, possession of less than one-half ounce of fentanyl with intent to distribute and possession of fentanyl, Billhimer said. He was taken into custody and then released on a summons pending a future court appearance.
Martinez was charged with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl on Oct. 17, Billhimer said. She was taken to New Jersey State Police Headquarters in Trenton and released on a summons pending a future court appearance.

Thompson was also charged with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl on Oct. 20 and taken to Ocean County Jail where he was lodged pending a detention hearing, Billhimer said.
Further investigation and toxicology analysis found that the Berkeley man had fentanyl in his system, which the Ocean County Medical Examiner's Office determined to be the cause of his death, Billhimer said.

Subsequently, the three were additionally charged with strict liability drug induced death on Nov. 14.

Thompson's sentencing is set for May 3, 2024, at which time the state will seek a term of seven years in New Jersey State Prison, subject to the terms of the No Early Release Act.