Second man charged in overdose death

A second person was arrested in connection to the overdose death of 19-year-old Larry Joyner in July.

Braeshawn Darrell Epps, 30, of Aiken was arrested on October 3 as a result of a narcotics investigation by the Barnwell County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO). BCSO performed multiple controlled undercover purchases of crack cocaine from Epps at a home on the corner of Peacock and Kelly streets in Williston. Search warrants were then issued by a Williston magistrate judge and executed by law enforcement.

“With the assistance of SLED SWAT, they executed the search warrant and located Braeshawn Epps who had three active warrants from the Barnwell Sheriff’s Office and placed him in custody” at the Barnwell County Detention Center (BCDC), states the report.

Epps was initially charged with three counts of distribution of cocaine, two counts of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, possession of a schedule II narcotic, and child endangerment.

While searching this home, investigators found marijuana, a pill which tested positive for fentanyl, and one hydrocodone pill.

“There were multiple pills found believed to be fentanyl but only one was tested. The others will be sent to SLED,” said Chief Deputy Darlene Cook.

A large amount of cash was also confiscated. Inside the residence was an 8-year-old, resulting in the child endangerment charge.

Further into the investigation, law enforcement discovered the substances that led to Joyner’s overdose and death “were bought at the corner of Peacock and Kelly,” states the supplemental report.

Epps was found to be a supplier of the drugs that resulted in Joyner’s death and sent a juvenile friend to the hospital. Epps was then charged with involuntary manslaughter and distribution of fentanyl, according to the report.

Epps was granted bond for his charges.

Previously, Cody Allen Davis, 29, of Williston was arrested on July 26 in relation to Joyner’s death and charged with involuntary manslaughter and a schedule I drug offense for distribution of fentanyl.

According to the arrest warrant related to the manslaughter charge, Davis “distributed a quantity of marijuana and 2 percocet 30 MG, that were identified to contain fentanyl” to the victim.

Davis’ bond was set at $100,000 - $50,000 for each warrant - with terms of no contact with the victim’s family, good behavior, and appearing at all upcoming court dates.

Law enforcement is still investigating if there is a connection between Davis and Epps.

According to Cook, this is the third overdose-related death in Barnwell County where an arrest has been made.