For Immediate Release

July 18, 2025

Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson today announced a Kansas City woman has been charged in connection with a fatal fentanyl overdose that occurred earlier this year. 

Caitlin L. Anderson faces one count of 1st Degree Involuntary Manslaughter. *

According to court records, Kansas City police were dispatched to a residence in south Kansas City on Feb. 21 on a medical call. Upon arrival, they located the victim deceased. A later autopsy determined the cause of death was combined fentanyl and ethanol use. 

Detectives recovered the victim’s cell phone and text messages between the victim and the defendant discussing drug sales. The victim had purchased fentanyl from the defendant two weeks before his death and overdosed. The victim purchased fentanyl from the defendant again on Feb. 21 and overdosed shortly after their meeting. 

In a text message to the victim, just two and a half hours before he was declared deceased, the defendant asked him to delete their conversation. 

During an interview with detectives, the defendant admitted to selling the victim the fentanyl on both occasions. 

The defendant is being held on a $100,000 cash bond.

*Charges are only accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until the defendant is either found guilty or pleads guilty.

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Media Contact: 

Jazzlyn Johnson

Director of Communications 

Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office 

415 E 12th Street

Kansas City, MO - 64106

(816) 929-1289 

jazzlyn.johnson@jacksongov.org 

https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com