Woman Abandoned Overdose Victim: South Kingstown Police

SOUTH KINGSTOWN, RI — A local woman is facing charges after police said she used fentanyl with another person, then abandoned them during an overdose. Julia Martin, 28, was arrested on Wednesday following the incident in February.

According to South Kingstown police, the victim was found lying outside in the fetal position on February 25, suffering from an apparent overdose. Emergency responders administered Narcan and brought the victim to South County Hospital.

Police determined the victim had been using Fentanyl with Martin, who abandoned the victim during the overdose, failing to provide “reasonable assistance,” which caused the victim to suffer serious injuries.

Under Rhode Island’s Good Samaritan Law, anyone who, in good faith, calls for help during an overdose will be granted certain legal immunities from drug charges. Had Martin called for help during the February overdose, it’s possible she would not have faced criminal charges for possession of fentanyl.

Martin was arrested thanks in part to assistance from the public after South Kingstown police released an arrest warrant Wednesday morning.