Gwinnett County detectives have arrested Emory Clark, 39, of Snellville, and charged him with manslaughter under Georgia’s new Austin’s Law. Clark’s arrest follows a month-long investigation into the fentanyl-laced drug overdose that led to the death of 23-year-old Christian Howell in Lawrenceville.
The Details: The investigation began on July 31 when Gwinnett County Police responded to a residence on Mill Glenn Court in Lawrenceville after receiving a report of an unresponsive male. Officers found Howell deceased in a bedroom, with illegal drugs discovered nearby. Detectives were called to the scene and initiated a detailed investigation that included phone data analysis, surveillance, and other investigative techniques. These efforts led them to identify Clark as the individual who sold Howell the drugs.
On August 13, detectives arrested Clark and executed a search warrant at his home in Snellville. During the search, officers found narcotic packaging similar to what was recovered from Howell’s bedroom. They also discovered a stolen handgun, leading to additional charges.
By the Numbers:
- 1 death: Christian Howell, 23, was found deceased on July 31.
- 13 days: Time taken from the start of the investigation to Clark’s arrest.
- 1 handgun: A stolen firearm found during the search of Clark’s home.
In Context: The manslaughter charge against Clark stems from Austin’s Law, signed by Governor Brian Kemp earlier this year. The law allows for criminal charges to be brought against drug dealers in cases where their products result in fentanyl-related deaths. The legislation was introduced in response to the rising number of overdose deaths linked to fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid.
What’s Next? Clark faces several charges, including aggravated involuntary manslaughter under Austin’s Law, sale of a Schedule II controlled substance, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and theft by receiving stolen property. His case will likely draw attention as one of the first prosecutions under the new law.
As the case progresses, it could set a precedent for how drug-related deaths involving fentanyl are prosecuted in Georgia, potentially leading to more severe penalties for drug distributors linked to fatal overdoses.
