Magnolia, NJ – A Camden man has been arrested and charged in connection with the sale of fentanyl that led to a fatal overdose in Magnolia in 2025, reported Camden County Prosecutor Grace C. MacAulay and Magnolia Police Chief John Huston. Erik D. McKnight, 46, was charged on June 9, 2026, with first-degree Strict Liability for a DrugInduced Death and third-degree Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Dangerous Substance. On October 7, 2025, at approximately 7:20 a.m., officers from the Magnolia Police Department responded to a residence on the 400 block of Jackson Avenue for a report of an unconscious person who was not breathing. Upon arrival, officers located the victim – a 41-year-old man – lying in bed. Life-saving measures were attempted, but were unsuccessful. Ultimately, the victim was pronounced deceased at the scene. Officers located six wax paper folds and a vial containing suspected fentanyl in the victim’s bedroom.
Toxicology results later confirmed the victim had died of a fentanyl overdose. During the eight-month investigation that followed, detectives located text messages on the victim’s cell phone between the victim and a suspect – later identified as McKnight – regarding a drug transaction on October 6, 2025.
The phone also contained a voicemail from McKnight on October 8, 2025, asking if the victim was good and if he needed anything from him. McKnight was taken into custody in Willingboro, NJ by the U.S. Marshals Service New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force – Camden Division on June 10, 2026. He was remanded to the Camden County Correctional Facility, pending a detention hearing in Superior Court. The case was investigated by Detective Timothy Jordan of the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit and Detective Christopher Galloway of the Magnolia Police Department.
“We commend these detectives for their outstanding investigative work in uncovering the facts surrounding this drug-induced death,” said Prosecutor MacAulay. “Their dedication and persistence throughout the investigation were instrumental in identifying the individual responsible and bringing a measure of justice for the victim’s loved ones.” Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Jordan at 856-365-3073 and Detective Galloway at 856-784-1884, ext. 127. Tips can also be sent to CAMDEN.TIPS. All individuals charged with crimes are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt