A woman from Eastern Carolina has been charged in connection with a fatal overdose that occurred in late 2023. The Craven County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that 47-year-old Amy Gunter, a Greenville resident, was arrested on January 9, 2024, for her alleged involvement in the overdose death of Austin Kitzinger.
On December 28, 2023, deputies responded to a call at 411 Rocky Run Road in Craven County, where they found Kitzinger deceased inside his vehicle. Authorities suspected early on that the cause of death was an overdose. Deputies launched an investigation to determine the circumstances leading up to his death. During their inquiry, investigators uncovered evidence suggesting that Kitzinger had purchased drugs from Gunter shortly before his passing.
The investigation continued into the new year, and on January 7, 2024, the North Carolina Medical Examiner’s Office officially confirmed that Kitzinger’s cause of death was a fentanyl overdose. This finding strengthened the case against Gunter, leading to her arrest two days later. She was subsequently charged with death by distribution, a felony offense that holds individuals accountable for providing controlled substances that result in fatal overdoses.
As of now, Gunter remains in custody at the Craven County jail under a $1,000,000 secured bond. Law enforcement officials have emphasized the dangers of fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid responsible for a significant number of overdose deaths in North Carolina and across the United States. They have also reiterated their commitment to holding those who distribute lethal drugs accountable under the law.
Authorities are continuing their efforts to combat the growing opioid crisis in the region, urging the public to be aware of the dangers of drug use and the potential consequences of fentanyl exposure. The Craven County Sheriff’s Office has encouraged anyone with information related to drug distribution or overdose cases to come forward and assist in ongoing investigations.
