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Fentanyl Death Sentence: 12 Years for Friend's Overdose
17 Jul
Summary
- Man sentenced to 12 years for providing fentanyl in a death.
- Victim, 46, died from overdose after receiving fentanyl.
- Defendant admitted providing drugs but disputed exact cause.
Norman Catman, 57, received a 12-year sentence on July 16, 2026, for his role in a fatal fentanyl overdose. He previously pleaded guilty to distribution of fentanyl resulting in death, a Class 1 drug felony.
Catman admitted to providing fentanyl to his friend, 46-year-old Philip Grant, who died in January 2024. Police found Grant unresponsive at his home and, despite resuscitation efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigations revealed Grant had fentanyl and methamphetamine in his system.
While Catman acknowledged providing fentanyl shortly before Grant's death, his defense noted some uncertainty regarding whether the fatal dose was the same fentanyl provided by Catman. The victim's family expressed their grief and hope for Catman's future.
Judge Daniel McDonald cited Catman's extensive criminal history and deep-seated addiction as reasons for imposing the maximum sentence, expressing doubt about rehabilitation effectiveness. Catman, who has been in custody since May 2024, received credit for 786 days served.
