On March 18, 2023, Steven Nitschke was found deceased in his Stroud Township apartment.  The Stroud Area Regional Police Department along with the Monroe County Office of the District Attorney, Criminal Investigations Division, investigated and were able to trace back the source of the drugs.

The source was Edwin Burgos, a 39-year-old coworker of Steven. Burgos was arrested and charged by Detective Kim Lippincott of the Monroe County Office of the District Attorney in August of 2023 after investigators were able to obtain enough evidence showing that he delivered the deadly dose.

Today, Edwin Burgos plead guilty to involuntary manslaughter, possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl, and criminal use of a communication facility (a cell phone). 

Burgos was immediately sentenced after the victim’s family had the opportunity to address him in court.  Nitschke’s mother gave a heartfelt statement pleading that Burgos gets the help he needs for his own drug addiction.  Assistant District Attorney Chad Martinez prosecuted the case.  Detective Kim Lippincott was the lead investigator.  Stroud Area Regional Police Department aided in the prosecution of the defendant.

It is hoped that the resolution of the case helps bring a measure of closure to the victim’s family and friends and serves as a reminder that the scourge of addiction casts a wide net of suffering extending far and wide over humanity.  

The Honorable Judge Stephen M. Higgins sentenced Edwin Burgos to 4-10 years of incarceration followed by 12 years of probation.