The Brief
- The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office says a local drug dealer, 44-year-old Toby Davis, has been charged with murder following a fatal overdose in Ellenton last year.
- MCSO detectives say they found incriminating text messages from the victim’s phone that led them directly to Davis.
- Davis was arrested on Longboat Key on Friday and charged with murder by distribution of a controlled substance.
LONGBOAT KEY, Fla. – A Manatee County man was charged with murder a year after a deadly overdose in Ellenton, according to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies say 41-year-old Jonathan Watson was found dead in the 400 block of Sunset Circle North by MCSO Overdose Response Unit detectives on Oct. 28, 2025. Detectives found evidence of cocaine use and text messages showing Watson had arranged to buy drugs from 44-year-old Toby Davis.
Investigators say they used Watson’s phone to set up a meeting with Davis. When he arrived at the home, deputies say Davis threw away a bag that held about 4.1 grams of cocaine after spotting detectives. Officials say they found another bag of cocaine during the arrest.…