First Degree Murder Conviction for Unlawful Distribution of Fentanyl

Joshua Robert Pulley has been convicted of First-Degree Murder – Unlawful Distribution of Fentanyl and Sale or Delivery of Fentanyl, for the overdose death of a Lee County woman. The jury returned the guilty verdict this afternoon, following a four-day trial in Lee County.

This case marks the first time in Lee County, a defendant has gone to trial on these charges. Pulley was indicted by the Lee County Grand Jury in July 2023.

Assistant State Attorney Sara Miller, of the State Attorney’s Office Homicide Unit, and Deputy Chief Assistant State Attorney Paul Poland prosecuted the case.

In December 2022, Pulley provided drugs to the victim after meeting her in the parking lot of a restaurant in Fort Myers. Evidence at trial showed the defendant was also texting the victim about the meet up.

The victim returned home and was found in her bedroom, unresponsive, later that night. Her roommate called emergency responders, but she could not be revived. The Medical Examiner determined the victim died from a Fentanyl overdose.

The Fort Myers Police Department investigated the case.

Sentencing is scheduled for December 16, 2024.

Samantha Syoen – State Attorney’s Office Communications Director