Man indicted on manslaughter, drug charges in fentanyl death of Gilbert mother

PHOENIX — A state grand jury indicted a man on 15 felony counts, including manslaughter, in connection with a fentanyl sale that prosecutors say led to the death of a Gilbert woman last year, authorities said.

Kevin Andrew Muter is facing charges stemming from the May 2025 death of Samantha Dudish, according to the indictment filed Feb. 23.

Muter allegedly sold fentanyl to Dudish on or about May 4, 2025, according to a Wednesday announcement from the Arizona Attorney General’s Office.

Muter faces one count each of manslaughter and sale of lethal fentanyl in connection with Dudish’s death. He is also charged with conspiracy, five counts of narcotic drug sales, two counts of dangerous drug possession, drug paraphernalia possession and four weapons charges.

According to the indictment, Muter sold fentanyl and conspired with others to sell and transport narcotic drugs between May 1 and May 15, 2025.

Investigators allege he possessed firearms, including a Ruger .380 and a Cobra handgun, while committing drug felonies and while being a prohibited possessor, meaning he was legally barred from having weapons.

Prosecutors move fentanyl charges for possible harsher sentence

Muter was previously indicted in June 2025 for the death. Those charges were dismissed so prosecutors could re-indict him, adding a manslaughter and sale of fentanyl charge related to Dudish’s death.

Prosecutors did not re-indict for the enterprise charge and increased the sale of narcotics charges from 3 to 5. The new indictment increases Muter’s maximum prison sentence by roughly 40 years, adding four Class 2 felony counts.

The case was investigated by the Gilbert Police Department and is being prosecuted by the Drug and Racketeering Enforcement Section of the Attorney General’s Office.

Muter pleaded not guilty and is scheduled to appear in court March 23.

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