For Immediate Release
Contact: Julia Keane 508-368-7226 or 774-530-1207
WORCESTER – Yesterday, 39-year-old Eric Stone, of Leominster, pleaded guilty to manslaughter and drug distribution charges in connection with an overdose death that occurred in the City of Fitchburg in June 2024, according to Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early, Jr.
Mr. Stone pleaded guilty in the Worcester Superior Court to Involuntary Manslaughter, Distribution of a Class A Substance (fentanyl), and Distribution of Cocaine. Judge William Ritter sentenced him to 4-5 years in state prison on the manslaughter conviction, as well as 2 years of probation on the distribution convictions, to run after the prison sentence.
On June 20, 2024, Fitchburg Police and Massachusetts State Police Detectives assigned to the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office responded to the scene of an unattended death of a 44-year-old male at a home in the City of Fitchburg. Detectives determined that Mr. Stone supplied the victim with cocaine and fentanyl in the early morning hours of June 20, just prior to the victim’s death. It was later determined that the victim died as a result of acute intoxication from the combined effects of cocaine, fentanyl, methamphetamine, and bupropion.
Mr. Stone was initially arrested by the Massachusetts State Police Detectives assigned to the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office on January 24, 2025, and was arraigned in Fitchburg District Court. On March 28, 2025, he was indicted by a Worcester County Grand Jury. He has been in custody since his arrest.
“It is our hope that today’s plea brings some measure of justice and closure to the victim’s family and loved ones,” Mr. Early said. “I want to commend the Fitchburg Police Department investigators and State Police Detectives assigned to the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office, as well as Assistant District Attorney Nathan Morse and Victim Witness Advocate Maria Deyette, for their hard work on this case.”
Fitchburg Police Department Chief of Police Steven D. Giannini said, “This case is a painful reminder of the deadly consequences of the opioid crisis. I’m thankful to District Attorney Early and his team for holding those accountable who profit from poisoning our communities. I hope this outcome can bring some measure of justice to the victim’s friends and family.”