A Moore County man has been arrested in connection with a 2024 overdose death in West End, according to the sheriff’s office.
On Wednesday, July 3, 2024, Patrol Deputies with the Moore County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 1000 block of Lucas Road in West End in reference to a possible narcotics overdose. Upon arrival, deputies and Moore County EMS located Emily Seawell, 24, who was suffering from an apparent drug overdose. Despite lifesaving measures performed by EMS personnel, Seawell was pronounced deceased at the scene.
During the course of the investigation, detectives identified Brandon Thomas as the individual suspected of providing fentanyl to the victim. An autopsy was conducted at the North Carolina Medical Examiner’s Office, and after more than a year of review, the Moore County Sheriff’s Office received the toxicology report confirming that Seawell’s cause of death was a fentanyl overdose.
“Based on evidence gathered throughout the investigation, a Moore County Grand Jury indicted Brandon Thomas on October 6, 2025, for Felony Death by Distribution by Deliver with Malice,” writes the sheriff’s office in a press release. “Detectives arrested Thomas on October 13, 2025, and transported him to the Moore County Detention Center, where he was served with the true bill of indictment.”
Brandon Thomas, 42 years of age, of West End, was committed to the Moore County Detention Center under a $1,000,000 secured bond with a Court Date of October 30.
Sheriff Fields expressed his sincere condolences to the family of Emily Seawell, stating that they remain in the thoughts and prayers of the Moore County Sheriff’s Office.
“Although Emily is no longer with us, we hope that the indictment in this case will provide her family with some measure of relief, knowing that someone has been held accountable,” writes Sheriff Fields.
He also commended the efforts of all the detectives and deputies whose diligence and commitment made this arrest possible.
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Defendants facing criminal charges are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Via Moore County Sheriff’s Office.
