OBX Man Sentenced to 46 Years for Drug Overdose Deaths

MANTEO, N.C.

An Outer Banks man, Tyrique Wise, has been sentenced to serve up to 46 years in prison after being declared guilty of two counts of aggravated death-by-distribution and multiple drug-related offenses.

The Victims’ Overdose Incident

Today’s court concluded that Wise was directly linked to the drug overdose deaths of Rachel Cockerham and George Bowman Jr. Rachel and George’s lives tragically ended on September 13, 2021, in Manteo. The evidence presented in the court highlighted that the victims had consumed cocaine that they had purchased from Wise the night before their deaths. Another woman, who was found unconscious alongside the deceased, was fortunate enough to survive the incident.

Post-mortem Examinations and Toxicology Reports

An autopsy conducted post the incident concluded that the cause of death for both Cockerham and Bowman was due to toxicity from fentanyl, cocaine, and ethanol. This evidence played a significant role in determining Wise’s involvement in the case.

Prior Convictions

This isn’t the first time Wise has been convicted for a drug-related casualty. The 38-year old man has a record of a previous conviction for involuntary manslaughter due to an overdose death that took place in 2018. For that conviction, Wise served a year and eight months behind bars.

A Stern Warning to Drug Traffickers

This sentencing serves as a stern reminder of the grave consequences of drug trafficking and distribution. The prosecution has hoped that this verdict will serve as a strong deterrent for those engaged in the illicit drug trade. Special emphasis has been placed on the sale of substances, like the ones connected to this case, which can have potentially lethal consequences when consumed.

Continued Investigation

In light of this event, the local law enforcement agencies have pledged to continue their fight against drug trafficking and ensure the safety of the community. They are dedicated to preventing similar incidents in the future and will relentlessly bring perpetrators to justice. The collective effort of local authorities and residents is fundamental in fighting drug-related crime in the area.