Kinston man charged with Death by Distribution following overdose investigation
On April 8, 2026, at approximately 8:30 a.m., officers with the Kinston Police Department responded to a residence in the 2400 block of Carey Road in reference to a reported fentanyl overdose. Upon arrival, officers located 28-year-old Andrea Grant unresponsive inside the residence. Emergency personnel began life-saving efforts, and Grant was airlifted to ECU Health, where she was placed on life support.
KPD detectives, along with members of KPD’s B-Squad, conducted an extensive investigation into the overdose and identified 31-year-old Michael Oats as the individual responsible for providing the fentanyl.
On April 9, 2026, during the course of the active investigation, KPD officers conducted a traffic stop involving Oats. During that stop, Oats was taken into custody and found to be in possession of marijuana laced with fentanyl, marijuana, and a firearm.
On April 11, 2026, Grant was removed from life support and died as a result of her injuries. Detectives subsequently obtained warrants on Oats for Death by Distribution. The warrants have been served, and Oats remains in custody at the Lenoir County Jail.
In addition to Death by Distribution, Oats has been charged with the following:
• Trafficking Fentanyl
• Felony Possession of Marijuana
• Possession of a Firearm by a Felon
