Debord Man charged with manslaughter in drug-related death

By Lilly Adkins

BSN Associate Editor

LOVELY —A Debord man was arrested Aug. 26 after he fled on a motorcycle at speeds of up to 105 miles per hour to elude authorities and was also charged in connection with the drug-related death of a Dempsey Housing resident on July 30.Christopher R. Newsome, 27, of Debord, is charged with failure to or improper signal; first-degree fleeing or evading police in a motor vehicle; first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance, greater or equal to two grams of methamphetamine; first-degree possession of a controlled substance, methamphetamine; failure of owner to maintain required insurance; no motorcycle operator’s license; second-degree manslaughter; and first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance, carfentanil or fentanyl derivatives.A news release issued by Kentucky State Police Friday said Post 9 received a call of a possible drug overdose at the Dempsey Housing Apartment Complex on July 30. Upon the arrival of emergency personnel, Ryan Marcum, 27, of Warfield, was located dead inside the apartment, the release said.During the investigation of Marcum’s death, a warrant was obtained for Newsome, whose drug involvement with Marcum is “believed to be a direct factor in Marcum’s death,” the release said.In an unrelated incident Aug. 26, Martin County Sheriff’s Deputy David Adams was patrolling and attempted to make a traffic stop on Newsome for not using a turn signal at the Zip Zone at Lovely, but he took off.Adams said in the report that he activated his lights before the intersection of Lovely/North Wolf Creek, and Newsome failed to stop and was “topped out at 105 mph in a 35 mph zone” in the straight stretch at Calvary Temple Church, stating that was the fastest the bike would go.Newsome stopped at Moore’s Trailer Court, stating he knew he wasn’t going to be able to get away and there was no point trying to get away, the report said.Newsome had scales and a clear crystal-like substance, which he said was two grams of methamphetamine, in a black zipper bag in his boot on his right foot, the report said.Newsome also said that he did not have insurance on the motorcycle and he also did not have a motorcycle license, according to the report.Newsome was taken into custody and transported to the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center in Johnson County.Trooper Dustin Thompson is investigating the manslaughter case and was assisted at the scene by Kentucky State Police Post 9 personnel as well as Martin County Coroner Chris Todd.