Massachusetts man indicted for manslaughter in overdose death of co-worker

WORCESTER – A Leominster man is facing involuntary manslaughter and drug distribution charges in connection with an overdose death that occurred in the City of Fitchburg in June 2024, according to Worcester County District Attorney Joseph Early, Jr.

Eric Stone, 39, of Leominster was indicted by a Worcester County Grand Jury last week on charges of involuntary manslaughter, distribution of a class A substance (fentanyl), and a distribution of cocaine. 

Stone was initially arrested by the State Police Detectives assigned to the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office on Jan. 24, 2025 and was arraigned in Fitchburg District Court. The judge set a cash bail of $25,000 and Stone has been in custody since his arrest. 

On June 20, 2024, the State Police Detectives assigned to the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office responded to the unattended death of a 45-year-old man at a home in the City of Fitchburg. Detectives determined that Stone supplied the man with cocaine and fentanyl in the early morning hours of June 20, just prior to his death. 

According to the Worcester Telegram & Gazette, the deceased and Stone worked together at the 873 Cafe in Ashby and there was a text message exchange discussing a drug deal.

The indictment moves the case to Worcester Superior Court where Stone is expected to be arraigned on April 7.