Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina announced that a Pemberton Township drug dealer was found guilty today of causing the death of a customer to whom she sold fentanyl-laced heroin in 2017.

The jury, which began deliberating this morning, convicted Shannon McGuigan, 36, of the 100 block of Tensaw Drive, of Strict Liability for Drug-Induced Death (First Degree), Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (Third Degree), Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance with Intent to Distribute (Third Degree), and Distribution of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (Third Degree).

The Hon. John J. Burke III, J.S.C., scheduled sentencing for April 29. Following the verdict, McGuigan was immediately taken into custody and will be detained pending sentencing.

The investigation began the morning of May 30, 2017 after the decedent, 25, was discovered in her Pemberton Township home by a family member. An autopsy performed by Burlington County Medical Examiner Dr. Ian Hood indicated the cause of death was due to heroin and fentanyl toxicity.

The investigation revealed that the victim purchased drugs from McGuigan a short time before she fatally overdosed.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant Prosecutor Laura Heisman. The investigation was conducted by the Pemberton Township Police Department. The lead investigator was retired Pemberton Township Police Lt. Brian Smith, who is now a Prosecutor’s Agent with the BCPO.

2022-38 Pemb. Twp. Drug Dealer Convicted in Customer’s Death