Manslaughter trial hears fentanyl found in woman who died

The trial is underway for a London man charged with manslaughter in connection to a fatal drug overdose. CTV's Nick Paparella explains.

On the final day of evidence, the manslaughter trial looking into the death of a London woman who overdosed and died heard testimony from a toxicologist and a pathologist.

Charged with one count of manslaughter and one count of criminal negligence causing bodily harm, the court has heard that Jordan Colley, 34, sold cocaine to the victim and her spouse in May 2023.

Christina Bestward ended up dying while Daniel Gale survived after both consumed the drugs.

Toxicologist Dr. Daryl Mayers testified that fentanyl was found in her system saying that depending on a person’s tolerance level, “There’s no doubt in my mind that 11 nanograms could cause death.”

Later forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Shkrum spoke about the how the body reacts to any concentration of fentanyl in the system.

“A person becomes unconscious, stops breathing and then goes into cardiac arrest,” he explained.

He told the court that after examining Bestward’s body he determined the cause of death to be multi-drug toxicity with a combination of fentanyl, cocaine and zopiclone.

The case is now adjourned until next week for closing arguments.

Colley has pled not guilty to the charges.