2 people arrested in connection with fatal overdoses in Edenton

CAROLINA BEACH, NC — A man and a woman have been arrested and charged in connection with fatal overdoses in Edenton, the Chowan County Sheriff's Office said.

On Monday, September 16, a Chowan County grand jury indicted Steve Allen Patrick, Jr. and Ja'Nyryah White in connection with multiple fatal overdoses.

According to officials, at least three fatal and several non-fatal overdoses occurred in Chowan County within a 15-day period in December 2023. Janice Chilcutt, 66, Ronald Adderly, 61, and April Tapia, 24, are believed to have died of drug overdoses.

The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) opened an investigation into all three deaths. Following the investigation, Patrick and White were arrested on Wednesday, September 18, by the SBI, Chowan County Sheriff's Office, and Edenton Police Department.

Patrick was charged with two counts of death by distribution of certain controlled substances in connection with the deaths of Chilcutt and Adderly. After appearing before a judge at the Chowan County Sheriff's Office, Patrick was placed on a $500,000 secured bond.

White was charged with causing death by distribution of certain controlled substances in Tapia's death. After appearing before a judge at the Chowan County Sheriff's Office, White was given a $250,000 bond and transported to the Albemarle County Jail.