Muskogee Man Charged In Friend's Overdose Death

A Muskogee man is in jail, held without bond for murder after his best friend who overdosed on Fentanyl.

Prosecutors said 28-year-old Cody Reed gave 28-year-old Austin Warwick Fentanyl on January 23.

Reed's family told News On 6 the two men had been friends for 15 years.

While prosecutors are waiting for the autopsy report, they have a stern message for anyone dealing with Fentanyl.

Muskogee's first homicide case of the year left two families devastated by the consequences of drugs.

"Cody and Austin were best friends, and he's trying to grieve, and the family is trying to grieve," said Erica Reed, Cody’s mother.

District Attorney, Larry Edwards, said police found Warwick unconscious at the Reeds’ home.

"We believe Cody Reed supplied the drugs to the victim,” said Edwards. “He asked him to come over and get high."

Edwards said this is the first time his office has charged someone for murder in a Fentanyl overdose case.

"Under felony murder, I don't have to prove the intent to kill,” explained Edwards. “I have to show the underlying felony and that someone died."

Reed's mother said her son should not be in jail when the autopsy report has not come back yet.

Because he was in jail, Reed was named an honorary pallbearer for Warwick's celebration of life.

"The DA is looking for someone to blame, and it's not fair to blame Cody, and he's not responsible for his friend's choices," said Erica Reed.

Muskogee police said they get called to overdoses too often and although they carry Narcan, prevention is key.

“It absolutely could have been prevented by not using the drug,” said Officer Lynn Hamlin. “It could have been prevented by the person not being in our community selling drugs."

If found guilty, Reed could be sentenced to life in prison.

Edwards said his office is also looking into who gave Reed the drugs and possibly different charges for that person.