A man pleaded not guilty as he is facing murder and drug charges after Lee County deputies found another man lying unconscious in the driveway of a south Fort Myers home.
What started as a medical call turned into a death investigation and the discovery of explosives inside the Laguna Lakes townhome.
According to the Lee County Sheriff's Office, Michael Maree called 911 and pointed to a clear baggie containing fentanyl near the body.
The State Attorney's Office said Maree allegedly invited the man to his home to sell him drugs.
The victim was given a baggie with a powdery substance inside. According to officials, the man fell to the ground immediately and later died after snorting the substance.
Maree was arrested shortly after the New Year's Day incident. However, he was only charged with possessing explosives, according to LCSO's website.
The State Attorney's Office announced details of a grand jury indictment charging Maree with first-degree murder — unlawful distribution of fentanyl causing death, a capital felony. Maree was also charged with the sale or delivery of a controlled substance, a second-degree felony.
Maree appeared in the Lee County Court on Monday, where his lawyer pleaded not guilty on his behalf.
Maree is scheduled to appear in court next on Aug. 29 at 1:30 p.m.
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