Drug dealer found guilty in Michael K. Williams overdose death

Last Updated on August 3, 2023

A drug dealer linked to actor Michael K. Williams’ 2021 overdose death has been found guilty, with a sentence that will put him in prison for less than three years.

On Tuesday, a judge determined that a 71-year-old man “not only cost Mr. Williams his life, but it’s costing your freedom,” pointing to the dealer continuing to sell drugs even after news of Michael K. Williams’ overdose broke. However, the Associated Press noted that the man, Carlos Macci, was “not charged directly in the actor’s death.” Macci had nearly two dozen prior convictions.

Prior to the decision, David Simon – who created The Wire, in which Michael K. Williams starred as Omar Little and knew the late actor well – urged the judge to consider leniency in the sentencing related to the actor’s overdose death. “What happened to Mike is a grievous tragedy…But I know that Michael would look upon the undone and desolate life of Mr. Macci and know two things with certainty: First, that it was Michael who bears the fuller responsibility for what happened…No possible good can come from incarcerating a 71-year-old soul, largely illiterate, who has himself struggled with a lifetime of addiction.” Michael K. Williams’ nephew also urged mercy on Macci.

Michael K. Williams’ death came on September 6th, 2001 after overdosing on heroin that had been laced with fentanyl. Other drug dealers more directly tied to the actor’s death have also pleaded guilty, with Irvin Cartagena facing a sentence of up to 40 years. This might give some respite to fans of Williams’ who want to see all of those involved behind bars for a long time. Cartagena’s sentencing is set for August.

Although Michael K. Williams had been in the business since the mid-1990s, he found a wider audience on The Wire beginning in 2002 before earning more widespread acclaim as Chalky White on Boardwalk Empire, even earning Emmy nominations for Bessie, The Night Of, When They See Us, and Lovecraft Country.

What are your thoughts on the sentencing related to Michael K. Williams’ overdose? Do you think it was a fair decision? Do you expect longer sentences to come?