Man Arrested After Deadly Drug Overdose In South Jersey, Prosecutor Says

MAGNOLIA, NJ — A 46-year-old man was arrested after he sold fentanyl that led to a death in South Jersey, the Camden County Prosecutor's Office said.

Erik D. McKnight, of Camden, was charged with first-degree strict liability for a drug-induced death and third-degree possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance.

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On Oct. 7, 2025, at around 7:20 a.m., Magnolia Police Department officers responded to a home in the 400 block of Jackson Avenue for a report of someone who was unconscious and not breathing.

They found a 41-year-old man lying in bed with six wax paper folds and a vial of suspected fentanyl nearby.

Life-saving efforts were performed, but the man was declared dead at the scene, officials added.

The man's cause of death was a fentanyl overdose, according to a toxicology report.

Detectives were able to find text messages on the man's phone between him and McKnight for a drug deal on Oct. 6, 2025.

There was also a voicemail left from McKnight on the man's phone where McKnight asked if he was good and needed anything.

McKnight was arrested on Wednesday in Willingboro and taken to the Camden County Correctional Facility to await a pending detention hearing in Superior Court.

Anyone with information regarding this case or others is asked to contact Detective Jordan at (856) 365-3073 and Detective Galloway at (856) 784-1884 (ext. 127).

Tips can also be sent through the CAMDEN.TIPS website.

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