Man Convicted for Girlfriend's Fatal Overdose

By Cecilia Green

Published on October 12, 2005

Randall Corbett, 35, was charged with the death of his girlfriend, thirty-two-year-old Marsha Fisher, who overdosed on Ecstasy in August 2001.

Corbett provided money for the drugs, which Fisher's friend, Heather Smith, bought. In addition, Corbett did not call for help when Fisher was suffering from an overdose. Rather, he called 911 four hours after he realized Fisher was dead.

According to the law in the state of Louisiana, the person who supplied the drugs to an individual who overdoses is held responsible for their death, even if they did not intend to kill the person.

Heather Smith, pleaded guilty to manslaughter during her second hearing and is currently serving a prison sentence.

Corbett's attorney is arguing that the amount of Ecstasy necessary for a lethal dose is unclear, and that if anything, Corbett should be held responsible only for drug possession.

Corbett will be sentenced on November 7, and may receive a five-year sentence for negligent homicide and up to 30 years for possessing narcotics with the intent to distribute.

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