September 28, 2025

Man Indicted on Multiple Charges Following Overdose Death

News Summary

Eric Bradley Strong, a 43-year-old man, has been indicted in Savannah for multiple murder charges linked to the drug overdose death of Bobby Hughes. The indictment includes felony murder and drug possession charges after Strong allegedly sold a fentanyl-laced substance to Hughes. Despite a decrease in drug overdose deaths in Chatham County, Strong’s case raises ongoing concerns about drug distribution and public safety.

Savannah, Georgia – A 43-year-old man, Eric Bradley Strong, has been indicted on multiple murder charges related to the fatal overdose of Bobby Hughes. The indictment includes charges of felony murder, aggravated involuntary manslaughter, two counts of possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute, criminal attempt to purchase marijuana, and use of a communication device in the commission of a felony.

The grand jury’s indictment states that Strong allegedly sold methamphetamine and fentanyl to Hughes, which directly led to Hughes’ death. The alleged sale occurred on either August 23rd or 24th, 2023. During this drug transaction, Strong reportedly attempted to purchase $115 worth of marijuana. It is claimed that he misrepresented the substance provided to Hughes, which was actually laced with fentanyl, disguised as a controlled substance. Currently, Strong is being held without bond at the Chatham County Jail.

Strong has a documented history of drug-related offenses, with records extending back to 1999. His long history raises further questions about drug distribution and public safety in the region.

In related news, drug overdose deaths in Chatham County are notably decreasing. The county recorded 51 drug overdose deaths in 2024, representing a 25.5% decrease from the 86 deaths in 2023. This marks a continuing trend of reduction, as overdose deaths fell by 7.2% from 2022 to 2023. However, there had been a slight increase from 2021, which recorded 46 deaths.

On a broader scale, the United States witnessed approximately 87,000 drug overdose deaths from October 2023 to September 2024, a decrease of 24% from the previous year’s figure of 114,000 deaths. This national decline sheds light on shifting patterns related to drug use and overdose.

The Director of the Chatham-Savannah Counter Narcotics Team (CNT) attributed the decrease in overdose deaths to several factors, including heightened educational efforts, increased law enforcement focus on fentanyl cases, and the distribution and administration of naloxone (Narcan), an emergency treatment for overdose.

In 2024, seven of the recorded overdose deaths involved a mixture of fentanyl and xylazine, a non-approved sedative for human use known colloquially as “tranq.” Xylazine poses severe health risks, such as reduced heart rate, low blood pressure, and the potential for infections associated with open wounds. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has indicated a rising prevalence of xylazine across the United States, particularly in southern states.

While CNT has conducted investigations, it is currently operating with a shortage of approximately 10 sworn positions, maintaining between 40 to 43 staff members from nine different agencies. CNT is also active in supplying Narcan to law enforcement and continues to pursue grant opportunities for wider distribution. Interestingly, the use of Narcan by law enforcement has seen a drop over the past three years, which correlates with the reduction in overdose deaths.

Despite the decline in overdose deaths, the CNT has recorded a decrease in the number of drug-related investigations, conducting 127 in 2024 compared to 148 in 2023. Since 2022, the Chatham County Grand Jury has indicted three individuals for drug-related overdose deaths, including Charles Monroe Rhode, 54, who was indicted for felony murder concerning an overdose death in August 2023, and Tracy Agin, who was convicted of involuntary manslaughter and drug trafficking for selling drugs that resulted in a fentanyl-related overdose.

The CNT remains committed to pursuing justice for families affected by drug-related deaths and continues to emphasize community cooperation in reporting incidents of overdose.