Second-degree murder charge laid in 2022 fentanyl death first considered accidental

A woman has been charged with second-degree murder after police investigated witness information about a 2022 drug overdose death that was first considered accidental.

Police responded on Dec. 28, 2022, to a report of a drug overdose at a home near 79 Street and 118 Avenue and found the dead body of 60-year-old Joseph Mercier. A toxicology report in 2023 showed that Mercier died of a fentanyl overdose, and the death was considered accidental.

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Shortly after the report was released, a witness came forward with information that gave police reason to reopen the investigation, EPS said in a Monday news release.

“When witnesses come forward, it can make all the difference for an investigation and can help provide a measure of resolve to the people who are trying to understand what happened to a loved one,” said Det. Sylvie Boy in the release. “It is incredibly important to speak to police if you see something that doesn’t look or feel right.”

Police arrested Morgan Churchill, 40, on March 26. She has been charged with second-degree murder.

Anyone with any information about this or any other crime is asked to contact EPS at 780-423-4567. Anonymous information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

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