Woman charged with homicide in heroin overdose death investigation

Maries County deputies announced on Tuesday that officers have arrested a woman accused of being responsible for the death of Dillon Barton.

ABC 17 previously reported that Barton died of a heroin overdose in April of 2017.

Officers said after a very detailed and lengthy investigation, they were able to determine that the drug transaction took place in Phelps County.

In March, Detective Scott John testified before a Phelps County Grand Jury about the details of his investigation. The next day a judge issued a warrant for the arrest of Kelve’lina Fowler, 23.

Fowler was charged with homicide and was arrested on Monday. She is currently in the Phelps County Jail on a $100,000 cash or surety bond.

A spokesperson for the Maries County Sheriffs Department said, “Let this be an opportunity for those struggling with this addiction to realize it is not too late to ask for help.”

Maries County Sheriff Heitman assured the public that if they voluntarily reach out for help with their addiction, officers will help disposing of their drugs and paraphernalia without criminal consequences.

Heitman also said, “Let this also be a warning to those selling drugs in Maries County. We are searching for you, we will eventually catch up to you, and if you sell drugs to someone resulting in their death we will do everything in our power to prove your guilt and hold you accountable for those actions in our court system.”

For more on the initial search, click here.