Bradenton Man Arrested for Fentanyl Distribution Leading to Woman’s Death
A year-and-a-half-long investigation has led to the arrest of a man accused of selling fentanyl-laced pills that resulted in a fatal overdose at a local gas station.
The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office announced that 31-year-old Evan O’Connor was taken into custody on February 6, 2025, and charged with murder by distribution of fentanyl. The arrest follows an extensive investigation into the August 2023 death of 27-year-old Taylor Moran, who was found unresponsive in her car outside a Wawa on State Road 70 East.
Deputies initially responded to the scene on August 8, 2023, after receiving reports of an unconscious person in a parked vehicle. Moran was discovered in the back seat, already deceased, with no visible signs of trauma or foul play. The case was treated as a potential drug overdose, and an autopsy later confirmed that she had died from fentanyl intoxication. A small blue pill found in her clothing tested positive for the powerful synthetic opioid.
Detectives later determined that Moran had attempted to purchase oxycodone from O’Connor. However, evidence, including cell phone records, revealed that O’Connor was aware the pills contained fentanyl but sold them to Moran without disclosing the danger. After consuming the pills, Moran lost consciousness in front of O’Connor and another woman. Instead of seeking medical assistance, they placed her in her vehicle and left her at the gas station.
A break in the case came in August 2024 when detectives gathered additional evidence, leading to a key witness confirming the details of the exchange and O’Connor’s involvement. The investigation culminated in his arrest earlier this month.
O’Connor remains in custody at Holmes Correctional Institution in Bonifay, Florida, where he was already serving time on fentanyl trafficking charges. The case underscores ongoing concerns about the deadly impact of fentanyl in Manatee County and law enforcement's efforts to hold dealers accountable for fatal overdoses.