NAUGATUCK — A 36-year-old Bridgeport man was charged with first-degree manslaughter and narcotics sale in connection with a fatal overdose that occurred in Naugatuck on March 23.
Rodney Coriano was arrested Sept. 23 following a six-month investigation by Naugatuck police detectives.
Police responded to a residence in Naugatuck in the early morning hours of March 23 for a suspected overdose.
Officers found an unresponsive male victim in his bedroom and attempted lifesaving measures.
Despite efforts by responding officers and Naugatuck EMS, the victim was pronounced dead at the scene.
Detectives found white glassine bags containing a white and yellow powdery substance consistent with heroin and fentanyl in the victim’s shorts pocket.
A clear plastic bag containing a white rock-like substance later determined to be crack cocaine was also seized.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner confirmed in May that the cause of death was acute intoxication due to the combined effects of fentanyl, cocaine and ethanol.
DNA evidence recovered from the scene was analyzed at the Connecticut State Forensic Laboratory and linked to Coriano.
Detectives collaborated with the Connecticut State Police Narcotics Task Force to conduct controlled purchases of fentanyl directly from Coriano.
A search and seizure warrant was executed in July, during which significant quantities of suspected fentanyl, crack cocaine and drug paraphernalia were seized from Coriano’s person and residence.
Forensic analysis confirmed that Coriano’s DNA matched the DNA recovered from drug packaging at the victim’s death scene.
Investigators determined that Coriano distributed fentanyl and crack cocaine to the victim hours before his death.
Coriano is a convicted felon currently on special parole until Nov. 11, 2027, and on probation until Nov. 24, 2028.
He has 14 previous arrests and was found guilty of negligent homicide in March 2018 in connection with another overdose death investigated by Naugatuck police.
