Woman Indicted In Drug-Death Of South Jersey Woman: Prosecutor

A South Jersey woman has been indicted in the death of a 26-year-old woman authorities say she sold fentanyl-laced heroin to in 2017.

A family member found the victim dead in her home on May 30, 2017, according to Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina. The cause of death was ruled to be due to heroin and fentanyl toxicity.

Shannon McGuigan, 33, of Pemberton, was indicted on one count of first-degree strict liability for drug-induced death, one count of third-degree possession of a controlled dangerous substance, one count of third-degree possession of a controlled dangerous substance with intent to distribute and one count of third-degree distribution of a controlled dangerous substance.

McGuigan is accused of selling the drugs to the woman shortly before she died. McGuigan was in possession of cocaine when she was arrested at her home by Pemberton police in June 2018, Coffina said.

The case is being prosecuted by BCPO Assistant Prosecutor Jeremy Lackey. The investigation was conducted by the Pemberton Township Police Department. The lead investigator is Pemberton Township Police Lt. Brian Smith.

The attached image of Shannon McGuigan was provided by the Burlington County Prosecutor's Office.