Warren man charged in relation to overdose death

Mount Clemens, MI – Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido announced that 50-year-old Aron Edwards, Jr., of Warren, was arraigned on charges 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 Friday January 16, 2026, Edwards was arraigned before Magistrate Ryan Zemke in the 41B District Court in Clinton Township, MI on a count of Delivery of Controlled Substance Causing Death, a felony punishable by life or any term of years.

This is the maximum charge available under the law based upon the evidence presented to date. 

Magistrate Zemke set Edwards’ bond at $500,000 cash/surety. He must wear a GPS tether if released. Edwards is scheduled for a Probable Cause Conference on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at 8:30 a.m., before Judge Sebastian Lucido at the 41B District Court in Clinton Township. 

“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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