TAMPA, Fla. – A Tampa man has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder in connection with a fatal fentanyl overdose. Tampa Police officers, with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force, apprehended 31-year-old Charles Zumbahlen on February 13th, 2025.
The arrest stems from the death of 27-year-old Zachary Reed on November 25th, 2024. Officers responded to a call on the 1000 block of E 32nd Avenue and found Reed deceased in his bedroom. A baggy containing a white powdery substance, later confirmed to be a mixture of a tranquilizer and fentanyl, was found near his body.
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The investigation revealed that Zumbahlen was the last person seen with Reed before his death. A subsequent traffic stop by another law enforcement agency led to the discovery of narcotics in Zumbahlen’s possession. He later admitted to being coworkers with Reed and supplying him with drugs regularly.
The medical examiner confirmed that Reed’s death was caused by fentanyl intoxication.
“This arrest should send a clear message that there is zero tolerance for this behavior in our community,” said Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw. “The Tampa Police Department is committed to holding these individuals accountable for the harm they cause.”
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Zumbahlen is facing one count of first-degree murder resulting from the unlawful distribution of fentanyl. This case highlights the growing concern over fentanyl-related deaths and the efforts of law enforcement to hold drug dealers accountable for the fatal consequences of their actions.
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