Editorial Photo Credit: Everett Collection

Actor Michael K. Williams passed away back in September of 2021. It was later determined that he died from fentanyl-laced heroin.  Initially, the medical examiner had ruled the 54 year old actor’s death an accident. On Wednesday, February 2, authorities announced they arrested four men connected to his death, including Irvin Cartagena. He’s been charged directly in Williams’ death after video footage showed him giving the laced heroin to the actor. Cartagena was arrested in Puerto Rico. The others charged were identified as Hector Robles, 57, Luis Cruz, 56, and Carlos Macci, 70, all of Brooklyn.

According to the Associated Press, “the four men were members of the drug distribution crew that supplied a deadly mix of narcotics to Michael K. Williams, the renowned actor from “The Wire” who overdosed just hours after buying fentanyl-laced heroin in a deal recorded on security camera video.

Williams’ death was investigated by the New York City police department, but the charges were brought by federal prosecutors in Manhattan, who revealed that the suspects had been under surveillance even before the actor’s fatal overdose last September.

It was a sting that bore a striking resemblance to the kind depicted on “The Wire,” where Williams gained fame playing the bandit Omar Little.

Police pieced together Williams’ movements in the hours before his death using data from his mobile phone and license plate readers.

A security camera on the block recorded the drug deal, police said.”

You can read more here: The Associated Press