DE DOJ secures Manslaughter, Drug Indictments for Fatal Fentanyl Overdose
DOVER, Del. – The Delaware Department of Justice (DOJ) has announced an indictment against a Dover woman in connection to a fatal fentanyl overdose that occurred in March of last year.
On Dec. 1, 2025, a Kent County Grand Jury indicted 47-year-old Susan Carter on charges of manslaughter, intent to deliver a controlled substance, and second degree conspiracy. The indictments follow an investigation by the Delaware State Police (DSP) and the Delaware DOJ.
“This is another reminder of the deadly toll the opioid epidemic has taken on our community,” said Attorney General Kathy Jennings. “I’m grateful to DSP for their work in this case and to the prosecutors working to secure justice.”
On Mar. 1, 2024, officers were dispatched to a residence in Dover following a report of a suspected overdose. Once on the scene, they discovered an unresponsive man, later identified as 33-year-old Jeffrey Gruwell, who was determined to have died as a result of a fentanyl overdose. A subsequent review of the victim’s phone by DSP’s Kent County Drug Unit identified Carter as the dealer of the fentanyl and Gruwell as the individual who delivered it.
“This manslaughter indictment demonstrates our shared commitment to accountability for those who profit from the distribution of deadly drugs,” said Colonel William D. Crotty, DSP Superintendent. “This investigation represents the first of its kind for our agency and holds individuals criminally responsible for an overdose death linked to fentanyl distribution. We are grateful for the relentless dedication of our detectives and the Delaware DOJ in pursuing justice for the victim and their family.”
Carter was arraigned on Dec. 16, 2025, and is currently being held on $500,000 cash bail.
