Fentanyl dealer’s conviction locked in by court
Attorney General Todd Rokita applauded the Indiana Court of Appeals for upholding the conviction of Holly J. Terry for Level 1 felony dealing in a controlled substance resulting in death. The ruling reinforces Indiana’s tough stance against those who contribute to the opioid epidemic through illegal drug trafficking.
“This decision is a significant step in our fight to protect Hoosiers from the deadly consequences of fentanyl and other dangerous drugs,” Attorney General Rokita said. “We remain committed to rooting out those who profit from poisoning our communities. This case underscores our resolve to hold drug dealers accountable and prevent further tragedies.”
On October 4, 2021, Terry supplied drugs laced with a lethal dose of fentanyl to Melinda Duncan in Muncie, Indiana, causing Duncan’s death from acute mixed drug intoxication. The prosecution presented compelling evidence, including text messages arranging the drug deal, cellphone location data tracing Terry’s travel from a known drug market in Trotwood, Ohio, to Duncan’s home, and Terry’s own recorded statements admitting to drug dealing.
The Court of Appeals affirmed the trial court’s decisions to admit a forensic toxicology report, which identified fentanyl as the primary cause of Duncan’s death, and testimony about Terry’s prior drug transactions with the victim. These rulings were deemed appropriate, highlighting Terry’s role as a supplier and her financial motive in the drug trade.
The court decision is attached here.
