Multiple fentanyl overdose deaths lead to 2 separate murder indictments in Fort Myers

FORT MYERS, Fla. —

Law enforcement and State Attorney Amira Fox announced Wednesday morning that a grand jury indicted two men for murder after people died from drug overdoses.

Investigators say Vadim Manafov, of Cape Coral, gave fentanyl to a man and a woman in 2024 who died. A third victim overdosed, suffering serious injuries.

In a separate case, prosecutors say a woman died after Joseph Roberts gave her fentanyl in October 2025.

"Drug distributors, we're talking to you. If you think it can happen to you, think again. Go back and look at how many times now we've indicted people for this. Every time you sell or deal or give drugs to somebody, you risk so much, including the permanent loss of your own freedom," said Fox.

Fentanyl is hitting our community hard, making it impossible to ignore. Local treatment providers at WhiteSands Alcohol & Drug Rehab in Fort Myers say the drug is driving addiction.

The drug is often found in street drugs and counterfeit medications.

"Fentanyl is extremely dangerous. Fentanyl is 50 to 100 times stronger than heroin. That's why we saw the overdose rates skyrocket in the last, you know, 5 to 8 years. It's truly a public health crisis," said operations director Mike Palumbo, with WhiteSands.

Palumbo says in many cases, people aren't aware they're using fentanyl.

"Particularly, pain pills. They're pressing their own pills, and they do that because it's a cheap additive. And it also packs a punch in the high that the person's going to get," said Plaumbo.

Palumbo has one piece of advice for those struggling with addiction.

"There is no shame attached. Come get treatment. Come get help. Call us or call any of the other treatment centers around so you can get that medical detox," said Palumbo.

If you're in need of recovery or looking for help, contact WhiteSands Alcohol & Drug Rehab at (239) 237-5473.

DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.