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Ryan Burdine died from fentanyl in August of 2024, leaving behind his wife and young son. On Wednesday, the man charged with death by distribution appeared in court.
More than a year after his death, police arrested 32-year-old Brian Jones in connection with the case in August 2025. Burdine’s family is back in court as the case moves forward.
The Havelock man was arrested by Havelock Police and charged with death by distribution through sale.
Investigators say the North Carolina Medical Examiner determined Burdine died from fentanyl toxicity on August 30th, 2024.
I wanna be able to look my kid in the eye and be able to say we got justice for your daddy,” Natasha Burdine said, wife of the victim.
Jones was scheduled for a disposition hearing Wednesday afternoon in Craven County Superior Court.
According to figures provided by Fentanyl Victims Network, 380 fentanyl-related deaths were reported in Craven County between 2013 and 2025, with just six investigations leading to prosecutions.
After the hearing, Brian Jones still remains in the Craven County Jail. This case is still pending in Superior Court.