4 People indicted in 2 separate Marion County overdose cases
MARION COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) — A Marion County grand jury has indicted four people in two separate overdose deaths.
The 12th Judicial District Drug and Violent Crime Task Force provided information regarding both investigations.
Joel Thomas Layne’s death
Jasper police found Joel Thomas Layne dead on January 20, 2024.
The State Medical Examiner said that Layne’s death was caused by a combination of methamphetamine and buprenorphine. Drug Task Force agents then determined Christopher Brian Janeway was responsible for giving the drugs to Layne.
During the DTF investigation, they also determined that Janeway, Patrick Pitts and Billy Gott were all committing “conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.”
From left to right, Christopher Janeway, Patrick Pitts.
At the time of the indictment, authorities already had Janeway in custody. Authorities then found Pitts in South Pittsburg and arrested him.
DTF agents said they found more meth hidden in Pitts’ pants when they took him into custody.
Gott has not been located yet, but his arrest warrant is active. Authorities ask anyone with information on his whereabouts contact the Marion County Dispatch Center at 423-942-2525.
Billy Gott. 12th Judicial Drug Task Force
Stacey Pedigo’s death
On February 19, 2024, Whitwell police found Stacey Pedigo dead.
Shonta Walker. 12th Judicial Drug Task Force
During their investigation, DTF agents executed a search warrant at Shonta Walker’s home in Dunlap.
During the search, agents said they found fentanyl inside the house.
They then identified Walker as the person responsible to giving fentanyl to the victim. The State Medical Examiner also said the fentanyl caused Pedigo’s death.
