Mount Clemens, MI – Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido announced that 50-year-old Aron Edwards, Jr., of Eastpointe, was bound over on a charge related to a drug overdose death.
It is alleged that on September 2, 2025, Clinton Township Police responded to a residence on Williamson Street for a reported drug overdose. Upon arrival, officers found two individuals unconscious and suffering from apparent drug overdoses. One individual, a woman, was successfully resuscitated; however, the second individual, identified as 54-year-old Roger Benthal, was pronounced deceased at the scene. It is further alleged that investigation led authorities to Edwards in connection with the narcotics involved. Subsequent toxicology testing determined that Benthal had Carfentanil in his bloodstream.
On Thursday, April 23, 2026, Edwards' preliminary exam was held before visiting Judge Charles Berschback in the 41B District Court in Clinton Township, MI. At the conclusion of the exam, Judge Berschback bound Edwards over on the charge of Delivery of Controlled Substance Causing Death, a felony punishable by life or any term of years. The People were represented at the Preliminary Exam by Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Dale K. Vande Vrede.
Edwards remains in custody, and will be arraigned before Judge Joseph Toia at the Macomb County Circuit Court on Monday, May 18, 2026, at 1:30 p.m.
“Many people do not realize the serious and often fatal risks they take when using drugs obtained off the streets. Lives can be lost in an instant. Drugs will not be tolerated in Macomb County, and my office will continue working aggressively to protect the safety and well-being of our residents,” said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido.
The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office represents the People. We are committed to achieving justice and following the laws of the State of Michigan. All that are accused of a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office
Contact: Robert A. Leonetti, Chief Assistant
Office: 586-469-7325
Cell: 586-876-1912
