TULSA – Attorney General Mike Hunter today filed two counts of first degree murder on two alleged drug dealers after an investigation tied them to the overdose death of a Tulsa man.
The investigation by the Tulsa Police Department revealed that the victim, Eric Adams, 25, died from heroin toxicity the day after purchasing the drug from Toni Heath, who was working in collusion with Alex Schmitt to distribute heroin in Tulsa County.
In addition to first degree murder, Heath, 24, and Schmitt, 26, have also been charged with conspiracy to commit a felony, possession of a controlled dangerous drug with intent to distribute, acquiring proceeds from drug activities and the use of a telecommunications device in drug transaction.
The ability to charge drug dealers with first degree murder became law in 1989 under a bill authored by Attorney General Hunter, while he was serving in the Oklahoma House of Representatives.
“We will use every means possible under Oklahoma law to hold drug dealers accountable,” Attorney General Hunter said. “Those who make the calculated, cold blooded decision to spread deadly drugs like heroin into our communities and take the lives of others can never be tolerated. I applaud the efforts of the Tulsa Police Department, led by Chief Chuck Jordan, who have put an emphasis on ridding Tulsa of drugs and those who distribute them.
“Although nothing we charge the alleged drug dealers with will bring back the life of Eric Adams, I hope these charges will bring his family some sense of relief.”
Adams was found unconscious by his brother on the evening of Aug. 28. A syringe was located next to his body. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Evidence during the investigation into his death led to Heath and Schmitt.
Authorities found heroin, methamphetamine, digital scales and evidence of drug distribution during a search of where Heath and Schmitt were staying. They were taken into custody and remain in the Tulsa County jail.
Tulsa Police Chief Chuck Jordan said the ability to target more heroin and opioid dealers in the Tulsa area is due in part to recently receiving $397,000 from the Attorney General’s Safe Oklahoma Grant.
“Tulsa is too good of a community to allow drugs to flood our streets and harm our families, friends and loved ones,” Chief Jordan said. “We appreciate Attorney General Hunter’s continued commitment to the TPD and the city of Tulsa by selecting us for the Safe Oklahoma Grant, for prosecuting this case and aggressively going after drug dealers. With his help and the help of the rest of the law enforcement community, we will end the horrific opioid epidemic.
“On behalf of the TPD, our thoughts and condolences remain with the family of Mr. Adams.”
To read the charges and probable cause affidavit, click here.