In a heartbreaking turn of events, a Chilhowie man has been arrested after his brother tragically died from a fentanyl overdose. The incident unfolded on August 18, 2024, but it took months of investigation before charges were filed.
On Sunday, January 19, 2025, Joshua Kenton Maggard, 46, of Chilhowie, was arrested following the five-month investigation into the death of his 50-year-old brother, Richard Jason Maggard. The Washington County Sheriff’s Office found that Joshua was allegedly responsible for distributing fentanyl, which directly led to Richard’s overdose.
Joshua has been charged with felony homicide and distributing a controlled substance—specifically fentanyl, a dangerous and highly addictive drug.
After turning himself in at the Southwest Virginia Regional Jail in Abingdon, Joshua is currently being held without bond. The case was supported by the Washington County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, as well as the Western District Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Roanoke.
This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of fentanyl and the ongoing fight against the opioid crisis.
