NYC Drug Dealer Receives 10-Year Sentence in Connection with Actor Michael K. Williams' Tragedy
40-year-old Irvin Cartagena, of Aibonito, Puerto Rico, was sentenced Friday for his role in the sale of fentanyl-laced heroin that led to the death of “The Wire” actor Michael K. Williams. We discuss it here!
Michael K Williams
Photo Credit: JOHN LAMPARSKI 2019//GETTY IMAGES
By: Joshua Martin
40-year-old Irvin Cartagena, of Aibonito, Puerto Rico, was sentenced Friday for his role in the fentanyl-laced heroin death of “The Wire” actor Michael K. Williams. Williams overdosed in his Brooklyn apartment, dying hours after a security camera caught him purchasing heroin from Cartagena in Brooklyn’s Williamsburg neighborhood.
The sentence was handed down by U.S. District Judge Ronnie Abrams after Cartagena pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute drugs back in April.
“I am very sorry for my actions. When we sold the drugs, we never intended for anyone to lose their life. - Cartagena ”
Prosecutors were pushing for a sentence of at least 12 years, while the court’s Probation Department recommended a 20-year sentence due to his extensive criminal history. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams shared in a statement that those who participated in the sale of the drugs were aware that someone else also died from it prior to this tragedy. The conglomerate continued to sale the illicit drug even after the death of Michael K. Williams. Cartagena faced a mandatory minimum of five years in prison and could have faced up to 40 years behind bars; however, Abrams deemed the recommendations too severe.
“This sentence, while severe, is sufficient but not greater than necessary.”
Williams, who was 54 when he passed away in September of 2021, famously portrayed Omar Little in HBO’s hit crime drama “The Wire” which ran from 2002 to 2008. In addition, Williams starred in films and other TV series such as “Boardwalk Empire”, the Netflix drama series “When They See Us” and “Lovecraft Country” in which he won a Critics’ Choice Television Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series.
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Lance Reddick, Star of ‘The Wire’ and ‘John Wick’, Passes Away at 60
Actor Lance Reddick most known for his roles in The Wire, John Wick, Bosch, and Netflix’s Resident Evil passed away Friday at the age of 60. We discuss it here!
Actor Lance Reddick
PHOTO: STEPHEN LOVEKIN/SHUTTERSTOCK
By: Omar Cook
Actor Lance Reddick most known for his roles in The Wire, John Wick, Bosch, and Netflix’s Resident Evil passed away Friday at the age of 60. According to his reps, Reddick passed away from natural causes.
Reddick died at his Studio City Home on Friday morning, which was confirmed by law enforcement. Reddick is survived his wife, Stephanie Reddick, and children, Yvonne Nicole Reddick and Christopher Reddick.
Just a day before his death on Thursday, Reddick posted on instagram a picture of him and his dogs, relaxing, promoting his upcoming film John Wick 4. The movie is set to premiere on March 24, and Reddick was in the middle of a press run.
Some of Reddick’s most iconic roles include playing Cedric Daniels in The Wire and Charon in the John Wick series. Reddick was also known for his television roles in Resident Evil, Bosch, Lost and Oz, and other movies including Godzilla vs. Kong, One Night in Miami, White House Down and many more. Reddick also starred in the series Fringe as special agent Phillip Broyles.
Reddick has a few projects he has been working on, which are set to release in the near future including his role of Zeus in 2024's Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief, theWhite Men Can't Jump reboot, Shirley, St. Sebastian and the John Wick spinoff, Ballerina.
A kindhearted soul, a wonderful human, and a true friend. Be seeing you, Lance Reddick. pic.twitter.com/btBpdjLY5d
— John Wick: Chapter 4 (@JohnWickMovie) March 17, 2023
“The world of Wick would not be what it is without Lance Reddick and the unparalleled depth he brought to Charon’s humanity and unflappable charisma. Lance leaves behind an indelible legacy and hugely impressive body of work, but we will remember him as our lovely, joyful friend and Concierge,” Lionsgate said in a statement.
Lance Reddick was born in Baltimore and graduated from Yale University’s drama school. Reddick landed his first television role in a 1996 episode of New York Undercover as Oscar Griffin. The world and entertainment will definitely miss seeing Reddick portray his characters on television, but his legacy will live on forever.
Meet Joshua Martin, Senior Video Editor for 247 Live Culture!
Email: Joshua@247LCTV.com