San Mateo sheriff: Woman who died in Bay Area jail was given fentanyl

San Mateo County sheriff’s officials are investigating the in-custody death of a 31-year-old woman last week as a homicide, spokespeople said Tuesday.

Markeisha Monique Renee Blount, of Stockton, died  Sept. 29 during an apparent “medical emergency” at the Maple Street Correctional Center in Redwood City. Following an investigation, sheriff’s officials said they believe Blount died after taking drugs that contained fentanyl that were supplied to her by another incarcerated person.

Sheriff’s officials said Ashley “Ashly” Gromnicki, 34, was in custody for charges related to narcotics and theft. It was unclear whether she was officially charged with any crimes. Gromnicki will remain in custody while the San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office reviews whether to upgrade her charges to murder…

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