The Hillsborough Police Department announced an arrest in a fatal overdose case on Friday afternoon, charging the man who allegedly sold drugs to the deceased.

A release from the department said 36-year-old Walter Wrenn faces a charge of felony death by distribution in connection to a death from May 20 of this year. Wrenn, who is an Efland resident, was already incarcerated in the Orange County Detention Center on unrelated charges when the Hillsborough Police made their arrest.

Walter Wrenn, 36. (Photo via the Hillsborough Police Department.)

Police officers with the town and Orange County Emergency Services responded to a medical call on May 20, according to Friday’s release. Upon arrival to a residence on Summit Drive off North Carolina Highway 86, they found a 35-year-old woman experiencing an opioid overdose. Police said while the first responders attempted lifesaving measures for the woman, they were unsuccessful in reviving her.

The Hillsborough Police Department and the North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner have worked with the victim’s family in the following months to conduct an investigation for death by distribution charges. Such measures are allowed by North Carolina’s 2019 “Death by Distribution” Act, which allows for the prosecution of those who sell substances to buyers that later overdose from those specific drugs. Hillsborough Police said their investigation ultimately led to the discovery that Wrenn supplied the opioids that led the victim to their death.

Friday’s alert said Hillsborough Police are still searching for information related to the overdose death and opioid distribution. Anyone who may have information is encouraged to contact Investigator Christian Gray by email or phone at 919-296-9541. Anonymous crime tips can be reported by calling 919-296-9555 or by using the See it, Say it, Send it app and website.

Chapelboro.com does not charge subscription fees, and you can directly support our efforts in local journalism here. Want more of what you see on Chapelboro? Let us bring free local news and community information to you by signing up for our biweekly newsletter.

 

Related Stories
‹
Hillsborough Police Join Fight Against Opioid Overdose
Hillsborough Police officers are receiving training to administer a drug to those suffering from an opioid overdose. Naloxone is known for its ability to reverse the effects from a fatal opioid overdose of drugs like Vicodin, OxyContin, morphine, heroin and others, within minutes. Carrboro and Chapel Hill police departments and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office […]
Hillsborough Mayor Helps Spread Overdose Awareness After Saving A Life
Hillsborough Mayor Mark Bell was driving to town on June 10 when he saw someone laying on the ground. Later, he realized it was an overdose.
Hillsborough Police: Month-Long Drug Investigation Leads to 2 Arrested, Charged
A pair of Hillsborough residents face several drug charges following a sting operation by law enforcement on Friday.
Hillsborough: South Churton Street Fire, Police Department Changes and Buying Public Artwork
Hillsborough Mayor Mark Bell speaks with 97.9 The Hill News Director Brighton McConnell on Tuesday, August 19.
Hillsborough Police Investigate Gunfire, Injury From A Fourth of July Party
One man suffered a gunshot wound to the leg during a Fourth of July celebration in Hillsborough in the early morning hours of Saturday, with the police investigation extending into the day.
Update: Missing Hillsborough Man Safely Located
Update: The Hillsborough Police Department safely located Zachary Dwinell Monday morning. “So many agencies came together with the goal of locating this person for his family,” said Lieutenant Nick Chelenza. “We appreciate everyone’s assistance.” The Hillsborough Police Department is seeking the community’s help in locating a missing person. Zachary Dwinell, 30, of Hillsborough, was reportedly last […]
Suspect Pleads Guilty in Hillsborough Home Depot Employee's 2022 Death
The man charged in the death of an elderly Hillsborough Home Depot employee pled guilty on Thursday amid jury deliberations for his trial.
Police: Teenager Arrested in Connection With Fatal Hillsborough Shooting
The Hillsborough Police Department announced the arrest of a 19-year-old town resident on Wednesday in connection with a December shooting which killed two people. Kenyon Raishaun Cameron is facing two charges of first-degree murder. According to police, Cameron was taken into custody on Wednesday afternoon after a traffic stop on Orange Grove Road. Police say […]
Hillsborough Police, SBI Investigating After 2 Found Shot, Dead in Vehicle
Two young adults are dead after a fatal shooting in Hillsborough, with local police investigating the crime alongside state officers.
Police Make Death By Distribution Arrest in Connection to 2023 Carrboro Fatal Overdose
Carrboro Police said regional U.S. marshals arrested 33-year-old David Allen Bonita over the death of 31-year-old Arman Guerra Imani.
›