FITCHBURG—A Leominster man has been sentenced to state prison after pleading guilty to manslaughter and drug distribution charges in connection with a 2024 overdose death in Fitchburg, according to Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr.
Eric Stone, 39, pleaded guilty Tuesday in Worcester Superior Court to involuntary manslaughter, distribution of fentanyl, and distribution of cocaine. Judge William Ritter sentenced him to 4–5 years in state prison on the manslaughter charge, followed by two years of probation on the drug charges.
On June 20, 2024, Fitchburg police and Massachusetts State Police detectives responded to the death of a 44-year-old man at a home in Fitchburg. Investigators determined that Stone had supplied the victim with cocaine and fentanyl earlier that morning. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner later ruled the man died of acute intoxication from a mix of cocaine, fentanyl, methamphetamine and bupropion.
Stone was arrested by state police detectives on Jan. 24, 2025, and arraigned in Fitchburg District Court. He was indicted by a Worcester County Grand Jury in March and has been in custody since his arrest.
“It is our hope that today’s plea brings some measure of justice and closure to the victim’s family and loved ones,” Early said in the release. He commended investigators, Assistant District Attorney Nathan Morse, and Victim Witness Advocate Maria Deyette for their work.
Fitchburg Police Chief Steven D. Giannini said in a statement: “This case is a painful reminder of the deadly consequences of the opioid crisis. I’m thankful to District Attorney Early and his team for holding those accountable who profit from poisoning our communities. I hope this outcome can bring some measure of justice to the victim’s friends and family.”
