Fayetteville police arrest man in connection with fentanyl overdose death

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — Fayetteville police have arrested a man in connection with a deadly fentanyl overdose, according to a police report.

Charles McGibbony, 47, was arrested on May 1 on aggravated death by delivery charge and violation of probation charges.

A preliminary report said on Jan. 17, Fayetteville police officers responded to East Zion Road for an unattended death.

Linzie Baker was found dead from a drug overdose and drug paraphernalia was found nearby, according to the report. Autopsy results showed Baker died from fentanyl and methamphetamine toxicity.

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Police said text messages revealed that Baker was in a relationship with McGibbony, who made regular trips from Tulsa to buy fentanyl.

The report said McGibbony was bringing her $70 worth of fentanyl he picked up in the Tulsa area. A witness told police they also were given fentanyl.

McGibbony messaged another person, telling them he only gave Baker “the tiniest amount all wrapped up.”

The last message Baker sent to McGibbony showed she received the fentanyl and was upset she didn’t receive more for what she paid. She told him to bring her more or send money back, according to the report.

On May 1, McGibbony spoke with police and he confirmed he met with Baker. He said he gave her some fentanyl but believed she gave it to someone else.

He told police that she wanted more but he did not give her any more.

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McGibbony previously was sentenced to 72 months of probation in April 2023 after he pled guilty to terroristic threatening, possession of controlled substances, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Aggravated death by delivery is a new charge that was created by the passage of Act 584 in April 2023, also known as the Fentanyl Enforcement and Accountability Act, by the Arkansas House of Representatives.

The charge is applied when a person gives fentanyl or another controlled substance to someone who dies from it, according to the law.

McGibbony is being held in the Washington County Jail on a $25,000 bond and has a court date set for June 3.

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